Gooey Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars (No added sugar!)

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Looking for a use for those overripe bananas? We love these easy, baked peanut butter banana oat bars. Flourless and sweetened only with bananas (and optional chocolate chips) these bars make a perfect quick breakfast, easy snack, or delightful dessert!

With focusing on eating the food that we grow, trips to the grocery store are fairly rare occurrences for us. They only happen about once every other month. 

But when we do go, extra bananas are always highly requested. There has to be enough for everyone to eat a fresh banana or two. 

However, I always make sure to set some aside to accumulate lots of brown spots—that’s when the deliciousness begins! Banana oat muffins, peanut butter banana scones, and these peanut butter banana oatmeal bars are perfect uses for those overripe bananas.

Wholesome Ingredients

I’m a sucker for the combination of peanut butter and banana and these peanut butter oatmeal bars do not disappoint! They only have a handful of simple ingredients and the ripe bananas provide all of the natural sweetness that’s needed.

What do you need?

Ripe Bananas

Milk – We use our fresh cow’s milk but any dairy or non-dairy option would work in this recipe.

Creamy Peanut Butter – Our preference is the organic, natural peanut butter (we buy from Costco) with no added sugars or oils. But, any type of nut butter will work (i.e. sunflower seed butter, cashew butter, or almond butter can be substituted for the peanut butter).

Oats – Either old-fashioned oats or quick oats will work in these peanut butter oatmeal bars. Steel cut oats will not. Our favorite is the One Degree certified gluten-free oats and glyphosate free (we also purchase this from Costco).

Collagen Powder (optional) – For an extra boost of protein, we love to add collagen powder to this easy recipe. We usually get the Great Lakes Brand of collagen powder.

Baking soda

Sea salt

Cinnamon (optional)

Chocolate chips (optional) – If you are a chocolate fan, I definitely recommend adding these in. My favorite is making these banana peanut butter bars with a handful of dark chocolate chips and topped with some flaky sea salt.

How to make Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars

Another great thing about these banana peanut butter oat bars is it’s a simple one-bowl recipe.

In a large mixing bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas with a potato masher or fork.

Add milk and peanut butter to the bananas and mix the wet ingredients.

Next, add the rest of the ingredients except the chocolate chips to the peanut butter banana mixture.

Stir in chocolate chips if desired, reserving a few extra chocolate chips for topping.

Spoon batter into a prepared baking pan and optionally add reserved chocolate chips and flaky sea salt.

Bake oatmeal bars until lightly golden brown and let cool before serving.

Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars Recipe

Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients:

3 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
2/3 cup natural peanut butter (or other nut or seed butter)
2.5 cups quick or rolled oats
¼ cup collagen powder (optional)
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
½ cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Grease 8×8 inch baking dish.

3. In a large bowl, mash bananas (a potato masher or fork works well for this).

4. Add in milk and peanut butter and mix until smooth.

5. Mix in oats, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and chocolate chips if using.

6. Pour batter into prepared pan.

7. Optional, sprinkle top with extra chocolate chips and flaky sea salt.

8. Bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.

Tip: If you like it more on the ooey gooey side, stick to the lower end of that range. If you prefer them more firm and easier to hold together, the higher end of that range would be better.

9. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Tip: These will store in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days or you can freeze for long term storage.

When do you serve these peanut butter banana oat bars?

There is no best way to serve this recipe. 

They are a great option for a make ahead, quick and easy breakfast. With extra protein and fat, they have way more staying power to keep bellies fuller, longer than most sugary granola bars.

We also like to serve them as a delicious and hearty snack, packed in lunches to go, or as a nourishing sweet treat!

Can you make a double batch of these?

Yes! These are great for doubling. Just cook them in a 9×13 baking dish instead of an 8×8 pan.

We like to include these in batch cooking sessions as a great way to do some make ahead meal prep and freeze them for later.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

One of the best things about this is that it’s highly adaptable for those with dietary restrictions. 

They are egg free, gluten free (with using gluten free oats), can easily be made with or without dairy, and if you have peanut or a specific nut allergy, you can sub sun butter or any other nut or seed butter that would work for you.

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For more similar recipes you will love:

Oatmeal Blueberry Blender Muffins
Blender Banana Oat Muffins
Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Scones with Banana (Gluten Free)
Healthy Peanut Butter Cups – 5 Simple Ingredients

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