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
Scale
- 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