Peanut Banana Oat Bars (Printer view)

Wholesome bars combining peanut butter, banana, and oats for a tasty, no-bake energy boost.

# What You'll Need:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
02 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
03 - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

05 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
06 - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
07 - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

# Directions:

01 - Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
03 - Add peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until well incorporated.
04 - Stir in oats, salt, cinnamon, and any optional mix-ins such as nuts or chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
05 - Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press firmly and evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
06 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to cut.
07 - Lift the set mixture using the parchment overhang and slice into 12 bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • No oven means you can make these while your kitchen is already occupied by someone else's cooking project.
  • They taste indulgent but won't derail you, and they stay fresh in the fridge all week.
  • You can throw them together in about ten minutes if you're between tasks or need an immediate mood boost.
02 -
  • The bars firm up as they chill—if you try to cut them too soon, they'll crumble, so patience here actually matters.
  • The texture of your bananas changes everything; overripe ones make softer bars while slightly firmer bananas give you more structure.
  • If your kitchen is warm, these will soften faster than you'd think, so keep them in the coldest part of your fridge.
03 -
  • Slightly softer bars feel more indulgent—I sometimes leave mine out for five minutes before eating to get that perfect chewy texture.
  • If you want them sweeter, honey is your friend; if you want them less sweet, reduce it slightly but know it affects binding a tiny bit.
Go back