Description
These wholesome, nutrient-dense bars provide a perfect solution for quick breakfasts or afternoon refueling. By combining complex carbohydrates from rolled oats with healthy fats from creamy peanut butter and natural sweetness from ripe bananas, these bars furnish steady energy without processed additives. Soft, chewy, and easy to meal-prep, they are a reliable grab-and-go snack that keeps you satisfied throughout your busiest days. Naturally sweetened and easy to customize with extra crunch, these bars prove that healthy homemade baking is both simple and deeply rewarding.
Ingredients
3 cups rolled oats
3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Place peeled bananas in a large bowl and mash thoroughly until smooth.
Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the bananas and whisk until silky.
Incorporate the rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt into the wet mixture.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until evenly combined.
Fold in the optional chopped peanuts if using.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Allow to cool completely before cutting into 12 even squares.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For added freshness, store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Substitute honey for maple syrup if preferred.
Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best natural sweetness and binding texture.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg