Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars

These are soft-baked peanut butter banana oatmeal bars! They are full of creamy peanut butter, hearty oats, and sweet ripened bananas. This recipe is perfect for meal-prep for the week and a delicious treat to bake.

All I have to say it the texture of these bars is absolutely phenomenal. They knocked the socks right off my feet. The bars are super soft, but also chewy because of the oats. SO good.

These bars are jam-packed with flavour and are a healthier meal-prep snack option for the kids! They've got peanut butter, ripened bananas, and hearty oats in every bite.

Before baking it's sprinkled with a cinnamon sugar that brings the flavours all together so well!

For more banana recipes, try Banana Oatmeal Muffins, Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread, and Chocolate Banana Brownies.

Jump to:

• Why this recipe works
• Ingredients Notes
• Step by step instructions
• Expert Baking Tips
• FAQ
• Check out these recipes
• Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars

Why this recipe works

Bananas - The perfect way to use up browning bananas.

Easy to make - Everything gets mixed in a few simple steps!

Delicious bars - These bars are chewy and soft-baked. They are so good!

Ingredients Notes

Scroll to view a few ingredients notes. Full recipe and measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Brown sugar – I like to use dark brown, but light works too.

Eggs – Remove two hours before baking.

Flour – I used all-purpose flour for this recipe. 

Bananas - Ripe, fresh bananas are used. The riper and more brown spots, the better. This means your bars will be sweeter. If using frozen, drain the liquid before mashing and measuring.

Peanut butter - I used a creamy peanut butter. You can also use a crunchy peanut butter or any other nut butter you like. Just make sure not to use natural peanut butter.

Step by step instructions

Here is how to make and bake this Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars. You will need an 9x9 square pan lined with parchment paper, two large mixing bowls, a spatula, and a whisk.

Step 1 – Prep. Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C and line and grease a 9x9 inch square pan. Mash the bananas and set aside.

Step 2 - Mix dry ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, add flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until combined and set aside.

Step 3 – Whisk wet ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk oil, brown sugar, and peanut butter.

Step 4 - Add in wet ingredients. Add in the eggs, vanilla, milk, and bananas. Whisk until well combined.

Step 5 - Combine. Add the dry into wet and mix until JUST combined. Don't over-mix!

Step 6 – Bake. Spread the batter into the prepared pan evenly. In a small cup, mix together sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle that on top. This will give you a sweet crunchy top. 

Step 7 – Bake. Bake the bars for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out dry. If it is wet, then the bars haven't fully baked yet so continue to bake at 5 minute intervals. Allow it to cool completely.

Allow to cool, slice, and enjoy! These peanut butter banana oatmeal bars are so scrumptious! They stay good on the counter for a day in an airtight container, and in the refrigerator for 5 days!

Expert Baking Tips

Here are a few expert baking tips from my kitchen to yours

• Use a gram scale. I cannot emphasize this enough! It is the most accurate way of measuring your ingredients in the kitchen. This is one of my favourites.
• Do not over-mix! A big reason bars don’t rise or turn out tough is because the batter is over-mixed. Once you see no flour streaks, stop mixing.
• Use ripe bananas. If using frozen, thaw them, drain the excess liquid, and then mash them.
• To make ahead of time: Bake, cool, slice, and store in an airtight container or wrap in foil/saran wrap.

FAQ

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes, bake it in a 9×13 pan and increase the baking time by checking in on it after the 40 minute mark.

Can I bake this in an 8×8 pan?

Yes, but the bars will be taller and bake for longer.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes! You can use any nut butter just make sure it is NOT natural. It must be creamy or crunchy.

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