Banana Oat Bars

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These soft banana oatmeal bars with peanut butter are sweet and delicious with melty mini chocolate chips and a peanut butter drizzle. They are perfect for breakfast or snack!

These are my favorite oat bars of all time! I love the mixture of the salty peanut butter, chewy oats, sweet banana and chocolate chips. They’re so good you won’t want to have just one (I definitely didn’t!). Eat these bars for breakfast, a post workout snack, healthy dessert, or an easy snack in the afternoon.

Transform your oats into these delicious vegan banana oat muffins! Or try out Blueberry Crisp Granola Bars.

For another great gluten-free breakfast option, try out these gluten-free cornmeal pancakes!

Ingredients for Banana Oatmeal Bars

• Old-fashioned oats: These type of oats create the perfect chewy texture and I don’t recommend substituting with quick oats or steel cut oats.
• Bananas: Use 2 ripe med-large bananas for this recipe. They can be slightly overripe if you want a sweeter banana oatmeal bar.
• Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter (natural, unsalted). If you are using salted peanut butter, omit the salt in the recipe. You could also try crunchy peanut butter for texture in these bars!
• Ground Flaxseed: This not only helps bind the ingredients, but it also adds some natural omega’s to the healthy oatmeal bars!
• Plant milk: Use a plant-milk such as soy or almond. I recommend unsweetened unless you want slightly sweeter bars.
• Maple Syrup: You don’t need a lot of maple syrup to give these bars a subtle caramelized sweetness. If you don’t have maple syrup you can use agave or honey if you’re not vegan.
• Chocolate Chips: I love mini dark chocolate chips in this recipe! You can use regular sized ones as well. For a dairy-free chocolate chip I use Enjoy Life brand. If you want a healthier breakfast bar you can omit the chocolate chips.
• Cinnamon: Because who doesn’t love a little cinnamon with their oats? If you want another delicious recipe with cinnamon try out these cinnamon roll overnight oats!
• Vanilla Extract: A subtle vanilla flavor melds well with the sweetness of the bars
• Salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweet flavors.

Equipment

• Medium mixing bowl
• Parchment paper
• Wooden Spoon
• 8×8 glass baking dish

How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars

How do you store banana oat bars?

Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container with parchment paper between each bar. 

Reheating: Reheat the bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until center is warm.

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes, almond butter is an easy swap in this recipe if you don’t like peanut butter or just want a new flavor! Sunflower butter would also be a delicious swap in these bars too for a nut-free bar.

Can I freeze banana oatmeal bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars. Once the bars have cooled completely, cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Separate each layer of bars with a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.When ready to eat, let them thaw to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before eating (you may still need to pop in the microwave for a few seconds- these bars taste best warm!)

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats but they have a different texture that old-fashioned oats. The bars will likely be softer and less chewy.

What else can I add to these banana oatmeal bars?

There are lots of fun additions for these bars!

Nuts: walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds or almonds for a crunch.

Fruit: blueberries, raspberries, or cherries for fun new flavor

Seeds: chia, hemp, pumpkin, and more!

▶︎For another delicious breakfast idea try out these Creamy Apple Pie Overnight Oats or these decadent French Crepes from Vanilla Bean Cuisine!