Peanut Butter Banana Bars (Print Version)

Chewy bars with peanut butter, banana, oats deliver a wholesome, no-bake energy boost for busy moments.

# Components:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
02 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
03 - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

05 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
06 - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
07 - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

# Method:

01 - Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and creamy.
03 - Add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir thoroughly until well incorporated.
04 - Incorporate the rolled oats, salt, ground cinnamon, and optional nuts and chocolate chips. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
05 - Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to press it firmly and evenly across the pan surface.
06 - Refrigerate the pressed mixture for at least 1 hour, or until it is firm enough to cut into bars.
07 - Utilize the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Slice into 12 equal bars and store them in an airtight container refrigerated for up to one week.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're genuinely quick to throw together—no oven means no heat in your kitchen and snacks ready in under 15 minutes of actual work.
  • That creamy-chewy texture hits different when you realize you made something this satisfying from ingredients you probably already have.
  • They taste like a treat but feel like fuel, which means you can actually enjoy them without the guilty aftertaste.
02 -
  • Don't skip the chilling step no matter how hungry you are—bars cut while warm will crumble, but once cold they slice like butter.
  • The ripeness of your bananas changes everything; underripe ones make the bars dense and less flavorful, while overripe ones provide natural sweetness and better binding power.
03 -
  • Press the mixture into the pan with wet hands or a wet spatula to prevent sticking and ensure even thickness throughout.
  • If your kitchen is warm, chill the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes instead of the fridge for faster setting.
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