4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars Recipe

Introduction

These 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars are a simple and wholesome treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. With ripe bananas and peanut butter as the star ingredients, they offer natural sweetness and a satisfying texture. Plus, a handful of chocolate chips adds a touch of indulgence without overwhelming the healthy base.

Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup smooth (natural) peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cup instant or quick cooking oats
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until almost smooth. Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
3. Step 3: Stir in the oats, salt, and baking powder until the mixture is fully combined. Fold in one-third of the chocolate chips, reserving the rest for topping.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spoon or spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.
5. Step 5: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool before cutting into 6 to 8 pieces.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or applesauce to the batter.
• Use crunchy peanut butter for a bit of added texture.
• Swap chocolate chips for chopped nuts or dried fruit to vary the flavor.
• If you prefer a vegan version, ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—thaw at room temperature before serving. Warm them slightly in the microwave for a soft, fresh-baked feel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rolled oats instead of instant oats?

Yes, rolled oats can be used but the texture will be a bit chewier and the bars might be less soft. You can also pulse rolled oats in a food processor to make them finer before mixing.

What if I don’t have ripe bananas?

Ripe bananas are essential for natural sweetness and moisture. You can speed up ripening by placing bananas in a paper bag for a day or two, or by microwaving whole bananas for 20-30 seconds to soften them slightly.

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 69 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars are a quick, easy, and healthy snack or breakfast option made with ripe bananas, smooth peanut butter, oats, and chocolate chips. Naturally sweetened and packed with wholesome ingredients, they bake up moist and delicious with a touch of chocolate on top, perfect for satisfying cravings without guilt.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup smooth (natural) peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup instant or quick cooking oats
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Optional Topping

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (divided, 1/3 cup mixed in batter, rest for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the bars after baking.
2. Mash Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until almost smooth. Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract, then stir well until the mixture is completely combined and creamy.
3. Add Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips: Stir in the oats, salt, and baking powder until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Gently fold in about 1/3 cup of the chocolate chips, reserving the remaining chocolate chips to place on top of the batter later.
4. Transfer Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly with a spoon or spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely. Once cooled, cut into 6 to 8 bars and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• You can substitute natural peanut butter with any nut or seed butter of your choice.
• Instant or quick oats work best for texture; old-fashioned oats can be used but may yield a denser bar.
• For a vegan option, ensure that the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Peanut Butter Banana Bars, Healthy Snack, Banana Oat Bars, Quick Breakfast Bars, Peanut Butter Bars, Chocolate Chip Bars