Discover a delicious twist on classic healthy snacks with these Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars. Made with mashed bananas, gluten free oats, and natural ingredients like applesauce and peanut butter, this dessert bar balances nutrition with irresistible flavor. Enjoy a nutritious treat that rivals any indulgent Chocolate Oatmeal Bars experience.

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I wanted to share my latest experience creating Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars. I found that combining 2 cups gluten free rolled oats, 3 ripe mashed bananas and 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce gives a strong nutritional base with lots of fiber and natural sweetness.

Adding 3/4 cup natural peanut butter not only boosts the flavor but also adds protein and healthy fats. I also mix in 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/3 cup pure maple syrup and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to bring out a balanced taste.

For an extra treat, I fold in 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips towards the end. These bars are a healthy snack perfect for a satisfying breakfast or a dessert bar that’s packed with energy.

They are ideal if you’re into Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars or even Banana Oatmeal Protein Bars, providing wholesome ingredients in every bite.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because first, the combination of peanut butter, banana, and chocolate chips is just out of this world. Second, I really appreciate that its vegan and gluten free so I can feel good about eating it. Third, I love that it’s packed with healthy ingredients like oats and applesauce, and fourth, it’s super easy and quick to make on a busy day.

These peanut butter banana oatmeal chocolate chip bars are awesome because they can be made vegan, and they’re gluten free too so you don’t have to worry about allergies. They’re full of good stuff like oats, bananas, applesauce, and natural peanut butter which makes them a healthier snack option. I found the recipe on sallysbakingaddiction.com and it’s perfect if you’re looking for a tasty treat that isn’t overly complicated to whip up. It’s basically a no-fuss, delicious snack that I can share with my friends when we’re in need of a little energy boost.

Ingredients

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Oats: Packed with fiber and complex carbs to keep you full and give steady energy.
Bananas: Naturally sweet and rich in potassium, they offer vitamins and quick energy.
Peanut Butter: Creamy, protein-packed, and loaded with healthy fats for a satisfyingly rich taste.
Maple Syrup: An all-natural sweetener that lends a warm caramel flavor without extra refined sugar.
Applesauce: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, reducing the need for extra oil in the bars.
Chocolate Chips: A vegan treat that supplies bursts of sweetness and a delightful texture every bite.

Ingredient Quantities

2 cups gluten free rolled oats

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

3/4 cup natural peanut butter

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, mix the gluten free rolled oats, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a larger bowl, mash the ripe bananas nearly smooth, then stir in the unsweetened applesauce, natural peanut butter, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir until everything is evenly mixed.

5. Gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips making sure they are spread out through the batter.

6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and press it down evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

7. Bake the mixture in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges start to turn lightly browned and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.

8. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

9. Once cooled, lift the parchment paper out of the pan, then cut the barley into bars.

10. Enjoy your Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars as a healthy snack or dessert!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – You need a working oven to bake the bars at 350°F
2. 8×8 inch baking pan – This is used to hold the batter, and you must line it with parchment paper
3. Parchment paper – Used to line the pan so the bars come out easily
4. Medium mixing bowl – For mixing the gluten free oats, baking soda, and salt
5. Large mixing bowl – To mash the bananas and combine with applesauce, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract
6. Spatula or spoon – This is used for stirring the mixture and pressing the batter evenly into the pan
7. Wire cooling rack – Essential for cooling the pan once the bars are out of the oven
8. Knife – For cutting the cooled mixture into bars
9. Measuring cups and spoons – Needed for accurately measuring all your ingredients

These items cover both the cooking process and the nutritional way you need to handle your ingredients. Enjoy making your snack!

FAQ

Can I use a different nut butter?

Yeah, you can totally swap out peanut butter for almond or cashew butter if that's what you have on hand.

How long do these bars keep?

They do pretty well in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week. If you plan on storing for longer, try freezing them.

Can I make these bars without gluten free oats?

They work best with gluten free oats for that great texture, but if you dont mind a different texture then regular rolled oats can be used.

Is it okay to substitute something for the applesauce?

You can use mashed pumpkin or even extra mashed bananas if youre running low on applesauce, though it might change the flavor a bit.

What if I dont have vegan chocolate chips?

No worries. You can just leave them out or chop up some dairy free chocolate as a substitute.

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Gluten free rolled oats: If you’re short on these, you can use certified gluten free quinoa flakes or rice flakes. They still give a nice texture, but may cook faster so keep an eye on ’em.
Natural peanut butter: When you dont have peanut butter, almond butter or cashew butter works just as good. The flavor might be a bit different, but it’s fun to mix it up.
Pure maple syrup: If you’re in a pinch for this, agave nectar or even honey (if you arent keeping it vegan) will do the trick. The sweetness stays on point.
Unsweetened applesauce: You can try swapping this with non-dairy yogurt or even mashed ripe pears for a similar moisture, though it might add a slight tang.

Pro Tips

1. When you blend the wet and dry stuff together, try to not overmix it, cause if you do the bars might end up too tough instead of getting that nice, chewy texture.
2. Make sure you let the bars cool completely in the pan before you cut em into squares, or they might crumble, which is super frustrating.
3. If the batter seems too thick, you can add a bit more applesauce or an extra mashed banana to help smooth things out.
4. For a little extra flavor boost, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of salt or cinnamon on top before bakin, it can really amp up the taste.

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Recipe by Tina Bueller

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

210

kcal

Equipment: 1. Oven – You need a working oven to bake the bars at 350°F
2. 8×8 inch baking pan – This is used to hold the batter, and you must line it with parchment paper
3. Parchment paper – Used to line the pan so the bars come out easily
4. Medium mixing bowl – For mixing the gluten free oats, baking soda, and salt
5. Large mixing bowl – To mash the bananas and combine with applesauce, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract
6. Spatula or spoon – This is used for stirring the mixture and pressing the batter evenly into the pan
7. Wire cooling rack – Essential for cooling the pan once the bars are out of the oven
8. Knife – For cutting the cooled mixture into bars
9. Measuring cups and spoons – Needed for accurately measuring all your ingredients

These items cover both the cooking process and the nutritional way you need to handle your ingredients. Enjoy making your snack!

Ingredients

2 cups gluten free rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
3/4 cup natural peanut butter
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mix the gluten free rolled oats, baking soda, and salt.
In a larger bowl, mash the ripe bananas nearly smooth, then stir in the unsweetened applesauce, natural peanut butter, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips making sure they are spread out through the batter.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and press it down evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Bake the mixture in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges start to turn lightly browned and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Once cooled, lift the parchment paper out of the pan, then cut the barley into bars.
Enjoy your Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars as a healthy snack or dessert!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.