Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars

Created on: March 14, 2023 | For Debbie | 2 comments

these Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars they are a delicious treat perfect for a snack. A delicious, vegan, gluten-free appetizer that’s super simple to make with <10 pantry-friendly ingredients that the whole family will enjoy.

peanut butter banana bars on a piece of parchment paper with a small plate of peanut butter.

This post was originally published in March 2014; updated March 2023.

Looking for a new healthy snack recipe? These Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars are a family favorite! All you need to recreate this easy snack or quick breakfast is a handful of healthy ingredients like peanut butter, banana, and oats. You’ll probably want to make a double batch. 😋

If you want a similar recipe that isn’t baked, you’ll love these no Baked Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars. In case you love peanut butter as much as I do, be sure to check out mine roundup of vegan peanut butter recipes!

Why you’ll love this recipe

A delicious, family snack or healthy breakfast with whole grains that can be mixed in just 5 minutes.
With less than 10 simple ingredients, you probably have everything you need to make a batch right now! I love having them on hand as a workout snack.
These healthy oat bars are vegan, dairy free, egg freei gluten free (when using certified gluten-free oats).

Ingredients you will need

Peanut butter banana oat bar ingredients with text overlays on white background.

Bananas: you’ll need three bananas for these peanut butter oat bars. For sweeter bars, use extra ripe bananas. Riper bananas also mash better, which is helpful for this recipe.
oats: I like the texture of old fashioned oats for this delicious recipe. I haven’t made it with quick oats, but I think it should work. You just want to avoid using steel cut oats.
Peanut Butter: peanut butter and banana is one of my favorite combinations. The creamy peanut butter here adds a bit of flavor also helps bind the dough together since we don’t use eggs in this vegan recipe. Crunchy peanut butter and well-stirred natural peanut butter also work in this recipe.
Maple Syrup: adds natural sweetness to these bars.
Copper powder: it gives these bars just a little lift.
Chocolate chips: I like to use dark chocolate chips or Enjoy Life’s mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can use your favorite vegan chocolate chips that you have on hand. No chocolate chips? You can also add nuts, dried fruits or pumpkin seeds.

Step by step

Step 1: Add the bananas to a large bowl and mash well with a fork or hand blender.

peanut butter, banana, oat bar dough in a bowl with a wooden spoon.

Second step: Add the remaining ingredients to the large bowl with the mashed bananas and stir well to combine.

banana oat bar dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet before baking.

Step Three: Transfer batter to an 8×8-inch baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (Spray well with cooking spray if not using parchment.) Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown and firm.

peanut butter banana oat bars cut into squares on a white background.

Four steps: Allow cooked bars to cool completely before slicing. (For cleaner cuts, chill in the fridge before slicing.) Store these Peanut Butter Banana Bars in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Expert advice

Use very ripe bananas: A bit like banana bread, using overripe bananas is best for this recipe as they mash better and add more sweetness.
Line your baking dish with parchment: to make it easier to cut and store these bars, I like to line my baking sheet with parchment paper so I can remove the bars from the pan with the paper once cool.
Allow to cool completely: let these oatmeal breakfast bars cool completely before cutting or they will crumble a bit.

Frequently asked questions about recipes

Can I make them with a different nut butter?

Yes! This bar recipe also works well with almond butter or cashew butter.

Are oat bars healthy?

Yes! These Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars are a great option for a healthy on-the-go snack. They are made with healthy ingredients and provide fiber and healthy fats.

Can I make these cookies?

Yes! Just place the dough on a baking sheet and reduce the baking time to about 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

More appetizer recipes you’ll love

Did you like this recipe? Be sure to leave a ⭐️ rating and tag #dietitiandebbie on Instagram!