If you’re on the lookout for a delicious treat that perfectly combines wholesome ingredients with indulgent flavors, the Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe is your new best friend. These bars bring together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the creamy richness of peanut butter, and the lovely pop of semi-sweet chocolate chips, all nestled in hearty oats. They’re not only quick to whip up but also flexible enough to fit into your breakfast, snack, or dessert rotation. Trust me, once you try these bars, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, creating a perfect harmony of texture, taste, and color. From the moist sweetness of bananas to the nutty warmth of cinnamon, each element brings something special to the table. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need.
- 1 cup mashed bananas: Provides natural sweetness and moisture, acting as a binding agent.
- 1/2 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar: Enhances caramel notes and offers gentle sweetness.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce: Keeps the bars moist without adding extra fat.
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or any nondairy milk): Balances the mixture and contributes to softness.
- 2 and 1/2 cups old-fashioned or quick oats: The hearty base, providing texture and fiber.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly for a lighter bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Introduces warm, cozy spice for depth.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Brightens flavors and adds aromatic sweetness.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The irresistible chocolatey finish everyone loves.
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the edges hang over the sides for easy removal later. This simple step guarantees your bars won’t stick and will come out in perfect slices.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and luscious. Then, gradually beat in the peanut butter, coconut sugar, applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Mixing these wet ingredients first ensures they meld beautifully and create a consistent base.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, fold in the oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir gently but thoroughly so every oat is coated with the flavorful wet mixture. The batter should feel thick but still pourable – that’s exactly the texture we want for perfect bars.
Step 4: Incorporate the Chocolate Chips
Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Their melty richness will punctuate each bite with sweet chocolate goodness, perfectly complementing the nutty and fruity foundation.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Smooth the top gently with a spatula to even it out. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, keeping an eye out so the center sets but doesn’t dry out. The bars should look soft but not jiggly when done.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
This part is key to neat slicing and ideal texture: cool the bars in the pan at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes, then pop the pan into the refrigerator for at least an hour. Chilling firms up the bars, making cutting a breeze and enhancing the flavors.
Step 7: Slice and Optional Drizzle
Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the block of bars from the pan. Slice into 16 bars with a sharp knife. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle warm melted peanut butter on top. It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are delightful on their own, but if you want to add a finishing touch, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt or extra mini chocolate chips on top. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a smear of peanut butter can also elevate their appearance and flavor.
Side Dishes
Serving your oatmeal bars alongside fresh fruit such as berries or apple slices complements the rich, sweet flavors wonderfully. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of dairy-free milk on the side can also turn these bars into an even heartier snack or breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering warm bars with ice cream or whipped coconut cream to create an easy dessert parfait. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares for party platters, or wrap individual bars in parchment paper for a cute on-the-go snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 10 days, making them perfect to prepare ahead and enjoy throughout the week without losing their moist, chewy texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To warm up chilled or frozen bars, microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked feel and makes any chocolate chips gooey and irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Both creamy and crunchy peanut butter work well. Crunchy will add a bit more texture which can be lovely in these oatmeal bars.
Are these bars suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, as long as you use dairy-free chocolate chips and nondairy milk, this Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe is completely vegan-friendly.
What can I substitute for the coconut sugar?
You can swap coconut sugar with brown sugar, maple syrup, or even honey if you’re not vegan. Just keep in mind these alternatives might slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, quick oats will work and make the bars a bit softer. Avoid instant oats, as they might make the texture too mushy.
How do I prevent the bars from being too sticky?
The key is chilling the bars well before slicing. Using parchment paper also helps lift them out effortlessly without sticking. If you want less stickiness, you can add a touch more oats to the mix next time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a homemade bar that strikes the perfect balance between health and indulgence, and this Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe does just that. Easy to make, flexible to tweak, and delicious to enjoy anytime, it’s a wonderful recipe to keep in your kitchen arsenal. So go ahead, give it a try, share with friends, and watch these bars become a beloved classic in your home!
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Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (includes cooling and chilling time)
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or breakfast option. Combining ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, oats, and chocolate chips, these bars are moist, satisfying, and naturally sweetened. Perfect for meal prep or a quick treat, they offer a wholesome blend of flavors and textures with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla.
Ingredients
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 (60g) unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup (120ml) almond milk (or any nondairy milk)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (50g) coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 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, ensuring there is enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, mash the bananas thoroughly. On medium speed, beat or whisk in the peanut butter, coconut sugar (or brown sugar), unsweetened applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture will be thick but still pourable.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the oats, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to the wet mixture. Continue mixing until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a thick batter.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them throughout without overmixing.
- Bake the Bars: Pour or spoon the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-28 minutes until the center is set but still slightly soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars moist.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. Afterward, place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until fully chilled; this makes cutting easier and helps the bars hold their shape.
- Slice and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the slab out of the pan. Cut into 16 equal bars. Optionally, drizzle melted peanut butter over the bars for extra flavor and richness.
- Store Leftovers: Cover leftover bars tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Adjust sweetness by choosing between coconut sugar or brown sugar.
- For vegan bars, opt for dairy-free chocolate chips and any plant-based milk.
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond or sunflower butter if preferred.
- Cooling and chilling the bars fully is crucial for clean slicing.
- These bars freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
