Peanut Butter Banana Bars (Printable Version)

Wholesome bars with peanut butter, banana, and oats for an easy, no-bake energy boost.

# What You'll Need:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
02 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
03 - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

05 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
06 - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
07 - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

# Directions:

01 - Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
03 - Add peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and stir until well incorporated.
04 - Add oats, salt, cinnamon, and any optional nuts or chocolate chips to the wet mixture. Stir until evenly combined.
05 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly and evenly using the back of a spoon or spatula.
06 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm enough to slice.
07 - Use the parchment overhang to lift the set mixture from the pan and cut into 12 bars. Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Zero baking means you can have wholesome bars ready in under 15 minutes of actual work.
  • They taste like you put in real effort, even though the most demanding task is mashing fruit.
  • The chew-to-crunch ratio hits that sweet spot between satisfying and portable.
02 -
  • If your mixture feels too wet after stirring, add a few more oats—the bananas vary in moisture, and better to have it slightly thick than to cut into mushiness.
  • Chilling time is non-negotiable; these bars need that cold setting to slice cleanly, otherwise you'll have a delicious but crumbly mess.
03 -
  • Use the parchment overhang trick every time—it changes the entire removal experience from frustration to smooth operator satisfaction.
  • Cut these with a warm, damp knife and wipe it between each slice for clean edges that actually look intentional.
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