Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars
A quick, wholesome snack that combines ripe bananas, peanut butter, oats, and protein powder for a chewy, satisfying bar. Naturally sweet and loaded with fiber, protein, and good fats, these bars are perfect for meal prep, snack time, or an energy boost anytime.
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 fork or potato masher
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Parchment Paper
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe bananas
- ½ cup natural creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 3 tbsp coconut oil melted (or avocado oil)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 scoops collagen protein powder ~20g (or protein powder of choice)
- ½ cup chocolate chips or cacao nibs/dried fruit for vegan option
- ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts optional
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment covers all sides of the pan, leaving extra overhang on the edges — this will make removing the bars easier later. Lightly press the parchment so it fits snugly into the corners of the dish.
- Mash the Bananas: Peel 2 medium ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, mash them thoroughly until they form a smooth, lump-free puree. The bananas should be soft and aromatic, releasing their natural sweetness, which will serve as a foundational flavor for the bars.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add ½ cup of natural creamy peanut butter, ½ cup of pure maple syrup, 3 tablespoons of melted coconut oil (or avocado oil), and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using a sturdy spoon or spatula, stir gently but thoroughly until all the wet ingredients are completely combined. This mixture should be smooth, slightly glossy, and evenly blended, with no streaks of oil or peanut butter.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add 2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats to the banana mixture. Then sprinkle in 2 scoops of collagen protein powder (approximately 20g — or any protein powder of your choice). Follow with ½ cup of chocolate chips (or cacao nibs/dried fruit if making vegan), ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts if desired, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Stir gently but completely until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with the wet mixture. The result should be a thick, cohesive dough-like batter.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the prepared batter into the parchment-lined baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture evenly into the dish, ensuring there are no gaps or uneven areas. For extra flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle a few additional chocolate chips evenly over the top. Press them lightly into the batter so they adhere during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. The bars should set firmly but remain soft and chewy inside. You can test for doneness by gently pressing the center — it should spring back slightly, and the edges should look lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as this will make the bars dry.
- Cool in Pan: Once baking is complete, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let the bars cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Cooling allows the bars to firm up, making them easier to slice. This step also enhances the flavor as the ingredients meld together.
- Lift and Slice Bars: Using the parchment paper overhang, gently lift the bars from the pan and place them on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, slice them into 12 even-sized bars. For a professional touch, wipe the knife clean between cuts to ensure smooth edges.
- Optional Final Touch: For a gourmet twist, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over each bar before serving. This enhances the peanut butter and banana flavors while adding a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
- Store and Enjoy: Transfer the bars into an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to another 3 days to extend freshness. For longer storage, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy frozen bars, unwrap and warm for 30–60 seconds in the microwave for a soft, fresh-baked experience.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and a moist texture — the riper, the better.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best chewy texture; instant oats may make the bars softer.
- For a vegan version, substitute chocolate chips with cacao nibs or dried fruit.
- Adjust sweetness by adding a little more maple syrup if desired.
- Finely chopped walnuts add crunch and healthy fats but are optional.
- Ensure all ingredients are well-mixed but avoid overmixing to prevent dense bars.
- Lining the pan with parchment paper makes removing the bars easier and cleaner.
- Cooling bars completely before slicing gives cleaner cuts and better texture.
