Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars
Highlighted under: Cozy Hearth Meals | Soul-Warming
Deliciously moist and packed with flavor, these Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars are a perfect snack or dessert option.
These Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars combine the delightful flavors of ripe bananas and creamy peanut butter. Perfect for breakfast or a mid-day snack, they are sure to satisfy your cravings while providing a nutritious boost.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Moist and flavorful, perfect for any time of day
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- A great way to use overripe bananas
The Perfect Snack for Any Occasion
These Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars are not just delicious; they're incredibly versatile. Whether you need a quick breakfast option, a post-workout snack, or a sweet treat for your afternoon cravings, these bars fit the bill perfectly. Their moist texture and rich peanut butter flavor make them a satisfying choice that can be enjoyed anytime.
Packed with wholesome ingredients, these bars offer a nutritious boost. The combination of ripe bananas and peanut butter provides natural sweetness, while the rolled oats add fiber and heartiness. This makes them an excellent choice for both kids and adults looking to maintain energy levels throughout the day.
A Simple Recipe with Minimal Preparation
One of the best things about these Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars is how easy they are to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious batch in no time. This recipe is perfect for those who may not have extensive baking experience but still want to create something impressive and tasty.
The preparation involves mixing the wet and dry ingredients, pouring the batter into a baking pan, and letting the oven do the rest. It's a straightforward process that allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious creation.
Using Overripe Bananas Creatively
If you often find yourself with overripe bananas, this recipe is a fantastic way to put them to good use. Instead of tossing those extra bananas in the trash, you can transform them into these delightful bars. Ripe bananas are sweeter and more flavorful, making them ideal for baking.
Plus, using overripe bananas is a sustainable choice that reduces food waste. Not only will you enjoy a delicious treat, but you'll also be doing your part for the environment by utilizing ingredients that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in the baking soda, salt, and rolled oats until just combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Slice
Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper and slice into bars.
Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars!
Storage Tips
To keep your Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you'd like to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to a week.
For longer storage, these bars freeze exceptionally well. Simply wrap individual bars in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy one, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Customizing Your Bars
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize your Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars according to your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins such as nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
If you're looking for a healthier twist, consider substituting almond butter or sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter. You can also reduce the sweetness by cutting back on honey or maple syrup, or even using a sugar substitute if desired.
Serving Suggestions
These bars can be enjoyed on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of toppings. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey can elevate your snack to a whole new level. For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few slices of fresh banana on top before serving.
Another delightful serving suggestion is to warm the bars slightly in the microwave and serve them with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert. The combination of warm, moist bars with cold creaminess is sure to be a hit!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter works well as a substitute.
→ How should I store the bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
→ What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as vegan alternatives.
Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars
Deliciously moist and packed with flavor, these Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars are a perfect snack or dessert option.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Cozy Hearth Meals | Soul-Warming
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
For the Bars
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Stir in the baking soda, salt, and rolled oats until just combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper and slice into bars.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 5g