Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that everyone will love. With just a handful of simple ingredients, these bars are perfect for breakfast on-the-go, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a post-workout treat. Rich in fiber and protein, Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare – In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these tasty bars.
• Healthy Ingredients – Made with wholesome ingredients like bananas and oats, they provide essential nutrients.
• Customizable – Feel free to switch out chocolate chips for dried fruit or nuts based on your preference.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make a large batch at once and store them for easy snacks throughout the week.
• Kid-Friendly – These bars are a hit with children, making them an excellent choice for school snacks.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars successfully, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and ensure even baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Baking dish (8×8)
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl – A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Fork – Perfect for mashing bananas to achieve the right consistency before mixing in other ingredients.
• Baking dish – An 8×8 baking dish ensures even baking and helps shape the bars uniformly.

Ingredients

Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are made with just 6 ingredients for a healthy, simple snack. Rich in fiber and protein, these homemade granola bars will keep you full and fueled.

Ingredients:
– 2 medium ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 3 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted (or avocado oil)
– 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
– 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
– 2 scoops collagen protein (~20g) (sub protein powder of choice)
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips (sub cacao nibs or dried fruit if making vegan)
– 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional)
– 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

How to Make Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a mixing bowl, place the ripe bananas. Use a fork to thoroughly mash them until smooth.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the following to the mashed bananas:
1. 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
2. 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
3. 3 Tbsp. melted coconut oil or avocado oil
4. 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Stir well until all wet ingredients are combined evenly.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Now add:
– 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
– 2 scoops collagen protein (or substitute with your preferred protein powder)
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips (or alternative)
– 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts (if using)
– 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

Gently stir until all ingredients are mixed together.

Step 5: Bake the Mixture

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Optionally sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until set.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Carefully use the parchment paper to lift out of the pan and let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Once cooled, slice into 12 bars. If desired, sprinkle some flaky salt overtop before serving! Refrigerate any leftovers after two days for freshness.

How to Serve Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a post-workout treat, these bars provide a delicious and nutritious option. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

On Their Own

• Perfectly portable, you can enjoy these bars straight from the fridge for a quick snack.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pairing with sliced bananas or berries adds freshness and complements the flavors.

Topped with Yogurt

• Serve with a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess and protein.

With Nut Butter Drizzle

• A drizzle of almond or additional peanut butter can take the flavor to the next level.

Crumbled Over Smoothies

• Crumble bars over your favorite smoothie for added texture and nutrition.

How to Perfect Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

To ensure your Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, crucial for the bar’s texture.
• Measure ingredients accurately: Precision in measuring ensures consistent results and flavor.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the maple syrup slightly without sacrificing flavor.
• Experiment with mix-ins: Try adding seeds, dried fruit, or different nut butters for unique variations.
• Allow proper cooling time: Let the bars cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Complement your Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars with these delicious side dishes. They make great additions to your meal or snack time.

1. Greek Yogurt: Creamy yogurt adds protein and probiotics; consider adding honey for extra sweetness.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides refreshing flavors and enhances nutritional value.
3. Nut Mix: A handful of mixed nuts offers healthy fats and crunch that pairs well with the bars.
4. Vegetable Sticks with Hummus: Crunchy veggies like carrots or cucumber dipped in hummus create a satisfying contrast.
5. Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or fruits makes for a hearty breakfast option.
6. Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy dessert is rich in fiber and pairs beautifully with the bars’ textures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final product. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not mashing bananas well enough: Ensure the bananas are thoroughly mashed for a smooth mixture. Lumpy bananas can create uneven bars.

• Using the wrong type of oats: Stick to old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Instant oats can make your bars too mushy.

• Skipping the parchment paper: Don’t forget to line your baking dish with parchment paper. This helps you easily lift out the bars once baked.

• Overbaking the bars: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can lead to dry bars; aim for a golden brown color.

• Not letting them cool completely: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing. This helps them firm up and hold their shape better.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one bar for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing and enjoying Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars:

What is the best way to customize Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars?

You can add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits based on your preference. This adds flavor and nutrition while enhancing texture.

Can I substitute peanut butter in Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars?

Yes! You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as alternatives for those with allergies.

How do I make Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars vegan?

To make them vegan, replace collagen protein with a plant-based protein powder and omit chocolate chips or use dairy-free options.

How should I store leftover Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Final Thoughts

Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize. Whether you want to add extra nuts or swap chocolate chips for dried fruit, these bars cater to your taste preferences perfectly. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a healthy snack that keeps you energized throughout the day!