Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

If you’re in the mood for a healthy yet delicious treat, Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are the way to go. Combining the rich flavors of peanut butter, ripe bananas, and chocolate chips with the wholesome goodness of oats, these bars are perfect for anyone looking for a quick snack or a healthier dessert option.

Whether you’re craving a mid-day snack, a post-workout bite, or something to satisfy that sweet tooth without going overboard on sugar, these bars fit the bill. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these tasty, soft-baked bars—from the ingredients to tips on making them even better. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You Need to Make Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

The Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

Making Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars is easy, but using the right ingredients will take them from good to great. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each ingredient is important.

• Mashed Bananas: Bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture to the bars. They also add a boost of potassium, which is great for maintaining healthy muscles and heart function.
• Peanut Butter: Whether you go for creamy or crunchy, peanut butter adds a rich, nutty flavor and loads of healthy fats, making these bars satisfying and filling.
• Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar: You have the option to use coconut sugar or brown sugar, both of which add sweetness without relying on refined sugars. Coconut sugar also has a hint of caramel flavor, which blends perfectly with the bananas and peanut butter.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: This is the secret ingredient to making the bars moist without using eggs. It’s a great substitute for egg or oil and helps make the bars even healthier.
• Almond Milk (or any Nondairy Milk): Whether you’re dairy-free or just prefer a lighter alternative to cow’s milk, almond milk does the job of adding moisture without overpowering the other flavors.
• Old-Fashioned Oats: Oats provide that chewy texture that makes these bars so satisfying. They also pack a lot of fiber, which is great for digestion and overall health.
• Baking Powder: A little baking powder helps the bars rise and gives them a nice soft texture.
• Salt, Cinnamon, and Vanilla Extract: These ingredients round out the flavor, balancing the sweetness of the bananas and sugar while adding a warm, cozy aroma.
• Chocolate Chips: Of course, the best part! Chocolate chips add that irresistible sweetness and make these bars feel like a treat. You can use regular or dairy-free chocolate chips, depending on your preference.

Optional Substitutes for a Healthier or Vegan Version

If you want to make your Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars even healthier or vegan-friendly, there are plenty of swaps you can make. For example, replace the peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different flavor, or try using maple syrup in place of the coconut sugar. If you’re looking for a completely vegan version, make sure you use dairy-free chocolate chips and swap the almond milk for any non-dairy milk of your choice. There are endless possibilities, and these substitutions won’t compromise the taste!

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

Prepping the Ingredients: What You Need to Do First

Before you get started on the fun part (baking!), you’ll want to prep everything so that the process is smooth and easy. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. You want to make sure there’s enough parchment paper hanging over the edges to easily lift the bars out of the pan once they’re done baking.

Now, let’s tackle the bananas. Peel and mash about 3 medium or 2 large bananas in a large bowl. If you have a stand mixer, this is the time to put it to good use! Otherwise, a simple fork works just as well—just mash until the bananas are smooth with no chunks left.

Mixing and Baking: Achieving the Perfect Texture

Once your bananas are mashed, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients. Start by adding the peanut butter, coconut sugar, applesauce, almond milk, oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s combined. Don’t worry if the batter is a little thick—this is totally normal and will help the bars keep their shape after baking.

Next, fold in the chocolate chips. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can add other mix-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruit to customize the bars to your liking. Once everything is mixed together, pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.

Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-28 minutes. The bars should look set in the center, but don’t be surprised if they appear a little soft. Let them cool in the pan for about 30 minutes, then transfer the pan to the fridge for 1-2 hours. Cooling them in the fridge helps the bars firm up and makes them easier to cut.

Cooling and Cutting: How to Slice Your Bars Neatly

When it’s time to cut your Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars, make sure they’ve been properly cooled. If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they might fall apart. Use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice them into squares or bars (whichever you prefer). You can even drizzle some melted peanut butter on top for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy!

Variations of Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options

If you’re looking for a gluten-free or dairy-free version of Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars, you’re in luck—it’s simple to make adjustments. For a gluten-free version, all you need to do is use certified gluten-free oats. Most traditional oats contain traces of gluten, but gluten-free oats are processed in a way that prevents cross-contamination.

For those who need a dairy-free alternative, you can easily swap out the regular milk for almond milk or any other plant-based milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Many chocolate chips contain milk products, but there are plenty of options out there that cater to vegan and dairy-free diets. You can even use other nut butters, like almond or cashew butter, to change up the flavor while still keeping the bars dairy-free.

These variations ensure that everyone can enjoy the delicious flavor of Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars without compromising on dietary restrictions!

Substituting Other Nut Butters and Add-ins

The beauty of these bars is how adaptable they are to your tastes. If you’re not a fan of peanut butter (or need to avoid it for allergies), feel free to swap it out with another nut butter like almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter. Each of these will bring a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the rich, creamy texture of the bars.

You can also get creative with the add-ins. Chopped nuts, like almonds, walnuts, or pecans, add a nice crunch. Dried fruit, such as cranberries, raisins, or even coconut flakes, pairs wonderfully with the other flavors and gives the bars an extra burst of sweetness and chewiness. If you’re feeling adventurous, seeds like chia or flax seeds will add a boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, making your bars even more nutritious.

Health Benefits of Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

How These Bars Provide a Balanced Snack

One of the best things about Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars is how they strike the perfect balance between satisfying your sweet tooth and providing lasting energy. The combination of oats and banana delivers a steady stream of energy thanks to the complex carbs and fiber. This helps keep you full longer and prevents the sugar crash that comes from eating overly sugary treats.

Additionally, the peanut butter adds a source of protein and healthy fats, helping to keep hunger at bay and stabilize blood sugar levels. The chocolate chips, while sweet, offer a small indulgence that satisfies cravings without overwhelming the nutritional profile of the bars.

Peanut Butter and Banana: A Powerhouse of Nutrients

Both peanut butter and bananas bring a number of health benefits to the table. Bananas are a fantastic source of potassium, which is essential for maintaining proper heart function and muscle health. They also provide natural sweetness, which makes these bars a healthier alternative to many sugar-laden snacks. On the other hand, peanut butter provides a good amount of protein and healthy fats, both of which are vital for maintaining muscle mass and keeping your skin, hair, and nails healthy.

By combining these two ingredients with oats, you’re also getting a hearty dose of fiber, which is great for digestion and overall gut health. Together, they create a satisfying, nutrient-packed snack that checks off all the boxes.

For more delicious and nutritious recipes, feel free to check out other great ideas on Recipes Louna’s Blog!

Storing and Freezing Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

How to Store Your Bars for Freshness

Once your Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars have cooled completely, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their delicious texture and flavor. To keep them fresh, place the bars in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 10 days.

If you’re someone who likes to meal prep, these bars are perfect because they hold up well over time. Just make sure they’re sealed tightly to prevent them from drying out. They’ll stay soft and chewy, just like the day you baked them!

Freezing Your Bars for Later Enjoyment

If you have a batch of Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars that you want to save for a later time, freezing them is a great option. To freeze, simply cut the bars into squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. You can even pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm, just like fresh-baked!

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

How Do I Make These Bars Vegan-Friendly?

Making Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars vegan is easy! Simply replace the regular milk with a non-dairy milk like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Additionally, make sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips instead of the regular ones. You can also swap the applesauce for a flax egg if you want to avoid any animal products. These simple substitutions will make your bars fully vegan while keeping all the yummy flavors intact!

Can I Use Instant Oats for This Recipe?

While you can technically use instant oats in this recipe, I highly recommend using old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Instant oats are more processed and can make the bars a little too soft and less chewy. Old-fashioned oats give the bars that perfect hearty, chewy texture that makes these treats so satisfying. If you only have instant oats on hand, go ahead and use them, but the texture might be a bit different from the classic bars.

How Do I Make the Bars Less Sweet?

If you’re looking to reduce the sweetness in your Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars, you can easily do that! First, you can reduce the amount of coconut sugar or brown sugar in the recipe by half. Since bananas already add a natural sweetness, you might find that you don’t need as much extra sugar. If you’re using chocolate chips, consider using a dark chocolate variety with a higher cocoa content, as it tends to be less sweet than milk chocolate.

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