These Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas for a wholesome treat everyone will love. Packed with hearty oats, creamy peanut butter, and melty chocolate chips, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, meal prep, or even a healthier dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy one-bowl recipe.
- Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas.
- Soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips.
- Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
- Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep.
- Easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium or 2 large bananas)
- ½ cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- ¼ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
- 2½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats or quick oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add the peanut butter, coconut sugar, applesauce, almond milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
- Stir in the oats until evenly coated.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars for 25–28 minutes, or until the center is set but still soft.
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing for clean, firm bars.
- Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
- If desired, drizzle melted peanut butter over the bars before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor.
- Chill the bars before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Old-fashioned oats provide a chewier texture, while quick oats make softer bars.
- Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or shredded coconut for extra texture.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Warm a bar for a few seconds in the microwave before serving for extra gooey chocolate.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Cooling & Chilling Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free Option
Notes
- Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture.
- Maple syrup or honey can replace the coconut sugar if desired.
- Dairy-free chocolate chips make these bars completely dairy-free.
- Store chilled for the best texture.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Bar)
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 110mg
FAQ
Can I use quick oats?
Yes. Both old-fashioned oats and quick oats work well. Avoid instant oats, as they can make the bars too soft.
Can I freeze these oatmeal bars?
Absolutely. Wrap the bars individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Simply use certified gluten-free oats.
Can I substitute almond milk?
Yes. Oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or regular milk all work well.
Are Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars healthy?
They contain wholesome ingredients like oats, bananas, and peanut butter, making them a satisfying option for breakfast or snacks when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual bars for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Enjoy chilled, at room temperature, or warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Similar Recipes
Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas about 3 medium or 2 large bananas
- ½ cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- ¼ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk or any non-dairy milk
- 2½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats or quick oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add the peanut butter, coconut sugar, applesauce, almond milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
- Stir in the oats until evenly coated.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars for 25–28 minutes, or until the center is set but still soft.
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing for clean, firm bars.
- Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
- If desired, drizzle melted peanut butter over the bars before serving.
Notes
- Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture.
- Maple syrup or honey can replace the coconut sugar if desired.
- Dairy-free chocolate chips make these bars completely dairy-free.
- Store chilled for the best texture.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are soft, chewy, and loaded with wholesome ingredients that make them perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Easy to prepare in one bowl and ideal for meal prep, they’re a delicious way to enjoy the classic combination of peanut butter, bananas, oats, and chocolate in every bite.