4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars
These 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars are the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. Packed with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, oats, and a touch of sweetness, they’re the ideal healthy snack or breakfast on the go. No refined sugar, no flour—just delicious goodness in every bite!
I discovered this recipe on a busy morning when I was looking for a quick breakfast idea that would please my family. With a bunch of overripe bananas on the counter, this recipe was the perfect solution. My husband and kids couldn’t believe these bars only had four ingredients! Now, we make them regularly as a grab-and-go treat, and they’re always a hit in our house.
Why You’ll Love 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars
•Quick & Easy: Just four ingredients and minimal prep make this recipe a breeze.
•Healthy & Satisfying: Naturally sweetened and full of wholesome ingredients.
•Kid-Friendly: The perfect snack for kids’ lunchboxes or an after-school treat.
•Vegan & Gluten-Free: Naturally vegan and gluten-free (if using certified gluten-free oats).
Ingredients Notes for 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars
•Bananas: Use ripe or overripe bananas for the best natural sweetness.
•Peanut Butter: Choose creamy or chunky based on your preference—both work well.
•Rolled Oats: Use regular rolled oats for a chewier texture or quick oats for a softer bar.
•Maple Syrup (optional): Add a touch of maple syrup or honey if you prefer a sweeter bar.
1. Preheat Oven:
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•Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mash Bananas:
•In a mixing bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Mix Ingredients:
•Add 1 cup of peanut butter, 2 cups of rolled oats, and 2 tbsp of maple syrup (if using) to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.
4. Spread & Bake:
•Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
5. Cool & Slice:
•Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares or bars.
Storage Options
•Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
•Freeze: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave for a quick snack.
Variations & Substitutions
•Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips into the mixture before baking for a sweet twist.
•Nut-Free Option: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter to make these bars nut-free.
•Add Nuts or Seeds: Mix in chopped nuts, chia seeds, or flaxseeds for extra texture and nutrition.
4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars
Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook PrintIngredients
- 2 ripe bananas mashed
- 1 cup peanut butter creamy or crunchy
- 1 cup oats old-fashioned or quick oats
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter, oats, and honey. Mix until well combined and a thick batter forms.
- Spread in Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bars are set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then lift the bars out using the parchment paper and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.
