Description
These 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars are a simple and delicious treat made with ripe bananas, natural peanut butter, oats, and a hint of vanilla. Enhanced with chocolate chips for a sweet touch, they bake into moist, wholesome bars perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mash the bananas: Add the bananas to a large bowl and mash them until almost smooth, creating a moist base for the bars.
- Mix wet ingredients: Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until well combined with the bananas.
- Combine dry ingredients: Add the oats, salt, and baking powder to the mixture and mix thoroughly to combine.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in 1/3 cup of the chocolate chips, reserving the rest to sprinkle on top before baking.
- Transfer to pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and use a spoon or spatula to smooth the surface evenly.
- Add remaining chocolate chips: Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips evenly over the top of the bars for a chocolatey finish.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Cut into 6-8 pieces and serve.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture without adding sugar.
- Natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils works best for a healthy option.
- For gluten-free bars, ensure the oats are certified gluten free.
- Feel free to substitute chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruit to customize.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
