Description
These Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are a deliciously wholesome snack or breakfast treat packed with natural sweetness from bananas and coconut sugar, creamy peanut butter, and melty chocolate chips. Moist, chewy, and easy to make, they combine oats and warm spices for a comforting flavor and texture, making them perfect for on-the-go energy or a nutritious indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (230g) mashed bananas (about 3 medium or 2 large ripe bananas)
- 1/2 cup (125g) creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup (50g) coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup (120ml) almond milk (or any nondairy milk)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 and 1/2 cups (213g) old-fashioned whole oats or quick oats (not instant)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Add-ins
- 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (use dairy-free for vegan)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until smooth, creating a creamy base for the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add peanut butter, coconut sugar (or brown sugar), unsweetened applesauce, almond milk, oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the oat mixture, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the mixture into the lined baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-28 minutes. The bars may still look slightly soft in the center but should be set around the edges.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let the bars cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up completely for easier slicing.
- Slice and Serve: Once chilled, slice the bars into 12 pieces. Optionally, drizzle melted peanut butter on top for an extra flavor boost before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- For vegan bars, choose dairy-free chocolate chips and nondairy milk.
- You can substitute coconut sugar with brown sugar or another natural sweetener.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- These bars also freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by varying the sugar amount or using different sweeteners.
