4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars Recipe
These easy 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars are a healthy and delicious snack or breakfast option. Made with ripe bananas, natural peanut butter, oats, and chocolate chips, they are naturally sweetened and perfect for a quick energy boost. Soft and moist with a touch of chocolate on top, these bars require minimal ingredients and simple steps, making them ideal for any time of day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup smooth natural peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup instant or quick cooking oats
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Additional
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (divided: 1/3 cup for batter, 1/6 cup for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mash Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until almost smooth. Add the smooth peanut butter and vanilla extract, stirring well to combine into a uniform mixture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the instant or quick oats, salt, and baking powder into the wet mixture. Stir until everything is evenly combined. Fold in about 1/3 cup of the chocolate chips gently to distribute throughout the batter.
- Pour Batter and Add Topping: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spoon or spatula to smooth out the top evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into 6 to 8 bars. This helps the bars set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Natural or smooth peanut butter is best for easy mixing and smooth texture.
- Instant or quick oats are recommended for the best texture, but rolled oats can be substituted if processed slightly.
- Chocolate chips can be omitted or replaced with nuts or dried fruit for variation.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to a week.
Keywords: peanut butter bars, banana bars, healthy snacks, easy baking, 4 ingredient bars, breakfast bars
