Description
If you’re looking for a treat that’s not only scrumptious but also healthy, Oatmeal Banana Peanut Butter Bars are your answer. Perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or a post-workout boost, these bars combine the wholesomeness of oats with the creamy richness of peanut butter and the natural sweetness of bananas.
Ingredients
To start, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- Rolled oats: 2 cups — for that perfect chewy texture.
- Ripe bananas: 3 large — the riper, the sweeter!
- Peanut butter: 1 cup — choose creamy or chunky based on your texture preference.
- Honey: 1/2 cup — for a touch of natural sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon — enhances all the other flavors.
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon — for a warm spice note.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon — to balance the sweetness.
- Mixed nuts and seeds: 1/2 cup (optional) — for added crunch and nutrition.
Instructions
Preparing Your Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
- Mix in the peanut butter, ensuring it blends well with the banana.
- Stir in the honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Fold in the oats gradually, making sure they are evenly coated with the banana mixture.
- If using, add the mixed nuts and seeds, distributing them throughout the mixture.
Baking
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Press down firmly to ensure the bars hold together after baking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
- Allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before lifting out using the parchment paper.
- Cut into bars once completely cooled.
Notes
These Oatmeal Banana Peanut Butter Bars are a wholesome snack, combining the heartiness of oats with the rich flavors of banana and peanut butter. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a healthy treat anytime.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg