Hey y’all! If you’re craving a snack that’s quick, wholesome, and bursting with nutty banana flavor, these 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter banana Bars are just what you need. They’re soft, chewy, and come together in a snap—perfect for breakfast on-the-go, satisfying afternoon cravings, or as a simple dessert everyone will love. With minimal prep and pantry staples, this recipe shines at family breakfasts, lunchboxes, or anytime you want a healthy treat without the fuss. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Only four ingredients needed – super budget-friendly and effortless!
- No refined sugar or flour, making them naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
- Delightfully moist and chewy texture from the ripe bananas and oats.
- Perfect for meal prep—grab-and-go bars for the whole week.
- Kid-approved snack that doubles up as a healthy dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
- 1/2 cup creamy Peanut Butter (natural or regular)
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup
Directions
Prep the Pan & Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Mash and Mix
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth using a fork or potato masher.
- Add the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined and creamy.
- Fold in the rolled oats until everything is evenly mixed. The batter will be thick and sticky.
Bake to Perfection
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Overripe bananas work best for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash of almond milk to loosen it up.
- Bars are easier to slice once fully cooled and slightly chilled.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Style: Stir in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips before baking.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.
Required Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional but recommended)
Storage Instructions
Store your peanut butter banana bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or cold glass of milk for breakfast.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a heartier snack.
- Drizzle with a little extra peanut butter or honey for an indulgent treat.
Pro Tips
- Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best natural sweetness.
- Press the batter firmly into the pan to ensure even baking and tidy, compact bars.
- For even slices, let the bars chill in the fridge for 20 minutes before cutting.
FAQ
- Can I make these bars nut-free?
- Absolutely! Substitute sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version with similar creamy results.
- Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?
- Yes, quick oats work here, but the texture will be a bit softer—still delicious!
- Are these bars suitable for freezing?
- Yes, just wrap them well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and enjoy as needed.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Makes: 9–12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
-
1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
-
2In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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3Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. If using, fold in the mini chocolate chips.
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4Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and spread evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula.
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5Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown around the edges and firm to the touch.
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6Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into 9 bars. Store in an airtight container.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
160 caloriescal
Protein:
5gg
Fat:
7gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
22gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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