Ever had one of those mornings where you’re rushing out the door, stomach growling, and nothing in the kitchen seems quick enough? Yeah, me too. That’s why these peanut butter banana oatmeal bars became my go-to. They’re soft, chewy, packed with protein, and—bonus—they taste like dessert.
Honestly, I didn’t expect my kids to devour them like they do. But between the natural sweetness of bananas and the creamy peanut butter swirls, these bars are basically toddler-approved bribery fuel. Plus, they’re sturdy enough to toss in a lunchbox without turning into crumbs. (A mom wins, if you ask me.)
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Adore These Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars
You’re going to fall in love with this recipe, and I’m not just saying that. These bars have become a staple in my kitchen for so many reasons. For instance, they are incredibly versatile. They work as a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a healthier dessert. In addition, the combination of peanut butter and banana is a classic for a reason—it’s pure comfort food bliss.
So these bars are also a:
- Meal-prep magic: Make a batch on Sunday, and you’ve got breakfast or snacks all week.
- No fancy ingredients: Just pantry staples like oats, peanut butter, and bananas.
- High-protein boost: Thanks to peanut butter and eggs, these bars keep you full way longer than a granola bar.
- Kid-friendly: Sneak in whole-wheat flour and applesauce without complaints.
What You’ll Need
Pantry raid time! Here’s the lineup for these high-protein peanut butter–banana oatmeal bars:
- 1¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant!)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole-wheat flour (or swap for more all-purpose)
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon (because everything’s better with cinnamon)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1¼ cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 medium—the spottier, the sweeter!)
- 6 tbsp smooth natural peanut butter, divided (no sugar added works best)
- ¼ cup whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (or sub more banana)
- 3 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegans)
- 1 large egg (or flax egg if needed)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan & Dry Ingredients
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, whisk together oats, flours, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk banana, 4 tbsp peanut butter, milk, applesauce, honey, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
Pro tip: If your peanut butter is stubbornly thick, warm it for 10 seconds in the microwave first.
Step 3: Combine & Swirl
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix until just combined.
- Pour into the pan, then dollop the remaining 2 tbsp peanut butter on top.
- Drag a toothpick through the peanut butter to create marbled swirls (aka the fancy part).
Step 4: Bake & Cool
- Bake for 30 minutes until edges pull away from the pan.
- Let cool 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for the Best Oatmeal Bars
- Banana hack: Freeze overripe bananas, then thaw for easier mashing.
- Peanut butter swap: Almond or sunflower seed butter works too.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for 3 days at room temp or 5 days in the fridge.
Nutritional Benefits
These bars are a balanced combo of carbs, protein, and healthy fats, ideal for sustained energy. Here’s the breakdown per serving (1 bar):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 8g (natural!) |
FAQs about Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars
Are peanut butter banana oatmeal bars healthy?
Absolutely! This combination is a fantastic trifecta of nutrition. Oatmeal provides filling fiber and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. Bananas offer potassium and natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugars. Peanut butter delivers healthy fats and a good dose of protein to keep you full. It’s a balanced, wholesome combination that’s great for breakfast or a snack.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yep! Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or microwave for 20 seconds.
Are peanut butter and oatmeal good together?
They are a match made in heaven! The creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter perfectly complements the earthy, chewy texture of oatmeal. It’s a classic pairing for a reason—the flavors and textures work beautifully together, creating a satisfying and delicious experience. If you love this combo, you should also try my Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie.
How to make banana peanut butter oat bars?
It’s incredibly simple! You just whisk your dry ingredients (oats, flours, baking powder, cinnamon, salt) in one bowl. In another larger bowl, you whisk your wet ingredients (mashed banana, peanut butter, milk, applesauce, honey, egg, vanilla). Then, you fold the dry into the wet, spread it in a pan, swirl some extra peanut butter on top, and bake! It’s a straightforward process that’s perfect for even novice bakers.
What’s the best peanut butter to use?
Natural, no-sugar-added peanut butter keeps these bars wholesome. Avoid hydrogenated oils.
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars: Final Thoughts
I truly hope you and your family enjoy these high-protein snacks of peanut butter banana oatmeal bars as much as we do. They are more than just a recipe; they are a small way to bring a little bit of ease and a whole lot of deliciousness into your busy life. Give them a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked. If you do make them, I’d love to hear what you think! Please leave a comment and a rating below—it helps other readers and makes my day
Tag me on Instagram if you make them—I’d love to see your swirls
- Love oatmeal? Try my Overnight Oats 5 Ways.
- Need more protein snacks? Check out No-Bake Energy Balls.
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars: A High-Protein Snack You’ll Love
- Total Time: TT40M
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These chewy and wholesome Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars are packed with protein, natural sweetness, and hearty oats—perfect for a make-ahead breakfast or energizing snack.
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant!)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole-wheat flour (or swap for more all-purpose)
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon (because everything’s better with cinnamon)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1¼ cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 medium—the spottier, the sweeter!)
- 6 tbsp smooth natural peanut butter, divided (no sugar added works best)
- ¼ cup whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (or sub more banana)
- 3 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegans)
- 1 large egg (or flax egg if needed)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the oats, flours, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mashed banana, 4 tablespoons peanut butter, milk, applesauce, honey, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Dollop the remaining 2 tablespoons of peanut butter over the top, and use a toothpick to swirl it gently for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Freeze overripe bananas and thaw when ready to bake for easier mashing.
- You can substitute almond or sunflower seed butter for peanut butter if preferred.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: CT30M
- Category: high protein breakfasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg