When you cross banana bread’s sweet comfort with the hearty goodness of oatmeal bars and the creamy richness of peanut butter, magic happens. These Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars are soft, chewy, and just sweet enough—perfect for breakfast on the go, a lunchbox treat, or a guilt-free dessert.
Loaded with fiber-rich oats, ripe bananas, and just the right amount of peanut butter, these bars are satisfying and wholesome without feeling too heavy. Best of all? They’re easy to make with pantry staples and no fancy equipment.
Drawing from your love for peanut butter and banana combos (like the Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Muffins, and Peanut Butter S’mores Oatmeal Cookie Bars from) and oat-based recipes (like the Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins ), these bars are a must-try. Let’s get baking!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Sweetened by Bananas – Makes for a softer crumb and subtle flavor.
- Protein-Packed – Thanks to peanut butter and egg, they provide a filling boost.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 45 minutes with pantry staples.
- Versatile – Great for breakfast, snacks, or post-workout treats.
- Kid-Friendly – Mildly sweet and easy to eat with no utensils.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Bake once, enjoy all week.
What you will need + Smart Substitutions
| Ingredient | Quantity | Substitution Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| 🍌 Overripe Bananas | 2 medium (⅔ cup) | Applesauce, pumpkin purée, or mashed sweet potato |
| 🥜 Peanut Butter | ½ cup | Almond, sunflower seed butter, or tahini |
| 🥣 Rolled Oats | 1 cup | Quick oats (for softer bars), or half chia/flax |
| 🍚 All-Purpose Flour | 1½ cups | Whole wheat flour or 1:1 gluten-free blend |
| 🥄 Baking Powder | ½ tsp | Baking soda (use ¼ tsp with lemon juice or yogurt) |
| 🧂 Salt | ½ tsp | Sea salt or omit if using salted peanut butter |
| 🧈 Unsalted Butter | ½ cup (softened) | Coconut oil or dairy-free butter |
| 🍬 Granulated Sugar | ½ cup | Coconut sugar or maple sugar |
| 🍬 Brown Sugar | ½ cup packed | Maple syrup or honey (reduce flour slightly) |
| 🥚 Large Egg | 1 | Flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) |
| 🍶 Vanilla Extract | ½ tsp | Almond or maple extract |
Step-by-Step Instructions (with Pro Tips)
Preheat & Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Tip: Leave parchment overhang to easily lift out the bars for slicing.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Set aside.
Tip: Ensure oats are evenly distributed for consistent texture.
Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together:
- ½ cup softened unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
Mix until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
Tip: Scrape down the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in:
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Then add:
- 2 mashed bananas
- ½ cup peanut butter
Stir until fully combined.
Tip: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and smooth texture.
Combine Wet & Dry
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Stir just until everything is incorporated—don’t overmix.
Optional: Add-ins like chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or raisins.
Bake
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Pro Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
Cool & Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 squares or rectangles.
Tip: Chill for 15 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices.
Optional: Drizzle with melted peanut butter or a light glaze before serving.
Optional Add-Ins & Toppings
- Chocolate Chips – Add ½ cup to the batter or sprinkle on top before baking.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans – For crunch and added protein.
- Banana Slices: Fresh and sweet for decoration (add just before serving).
- Drizzled Peanut Butter: Creamy and rich for flair.
- Shredded Coconut – Adds texture and subtle sweetness.
- Glaze – Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp milk for a sweet drizzle.
- Peanut Butter Swirl – Swirl 2 tbsp into the top of the batter before baking.
Nutritional Information (Per Bar – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Sugars | 15 g |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 110 mg |
Calculated based on 12 servings and standard ingredients.
Storage & Freezing Tips
Room Temperature:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator:
- Lasts 5–6 days; ideal if you like a firmer texture.
Freezer:
- Freeze cooled bars in layers with parchment between for up to 2 months.
- Thaw at room temp or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Ingredient Substitutions Recap
- Bananas → Applesauce: Sweet, moist alternative.
- Peanut Butter → Almond Butter: Nutty, peanut-free substitute.
- Rolled Oats → Quick Oats: Softer texture option.
- All-Purpose Flour → Gluten-Free Flour: Dietary-friendly structure.
- Butter → Vegan Butter: Dairy-free richness.
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Greek Yogurt: Vanilla or plain for a creamy dip.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries or blueberries for tart balance.
- Coffee: Espresso or latte to complement peanut butter.
- Milk: Dairy or plant-based, perfect for pairing.
- Smoothie: Banana or berry for a nutrient boost.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for peanut butter banana oatmeal bars?
Yes! Just stir well before measuring to avoid oily or dry patches.
Can I make vegan oatmeal bars?
Definitely—use vegan butter, a flax egg, and ensure sugar is vegan-friendly.
What if I only have quick oats?
They’ll work! The bars will be slightly softer but still hold together.
Can I make gluten-free peanut butter banana oatmeal bars?
Yes—use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend.
How do I make them sweeter?
Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar, or fold in chocolate chips or raisins.
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars
Equipment
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl (for wet ingredients)
- Medium mixing bowl (for dry ingredients)
- Electric mixer or whisk (for creaming)
- Spatula (for mixing and spreading)
- Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife (for cutting bars)
- Optional: Offset spatula (for spreading batter)
Ingredients
- 2 medium overripe bananas mashed (about 2/3 cup)
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Mix in mashed bananas and peanut butter until well combined, then gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until just incorporated.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars and serving.
These Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars offer everything you want in a homemade snack—soft, sweet, a little chewy, and utterly comforting. They’re simple enough for beginner bakers and flexible enough to make your own with mix-ins and topping variations.
Perfect with a glass of milk, a mug of coffee, or tucked into a lunchbox, this is one treat you’ll come back to again and again. So go ahead—mash those bananas and get baking. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing! 🍌🥜🍪
