Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars Recipe

I discovered a way to transform overripe bananas into a delightful treat that perfectly blends creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate chips. These Baked Oatmeal Bars With Banana spark creativity in my kitchen, inspiring me to share moments and memories with family and friends while exploring unexpected flavors.

I recently whipped up these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars when I found myself staring at a pile of overripe bananas. Honestly, this recipe was inspired by a need for something fun yet practical when I’m looking for breakfast banana bars or easy to package desserts for a luncheon.

I mixed in 3 mashed overripe bananas with 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter and 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, then stirred in granulated sugar and eggs along with a splash of vanilla extract. I then folded in a precise mix of all-purpose flour with old fashioned rolled oats, a pinch of baking soda, baking powder, and salt before finally tossing in semisweet chocolate chips.

It’s one of those baked peanut butter oatmeal bars that has a little twist compared to your typical baked oatmeal bars with banana. Sure, it might sound like a recipe that uses lots of bananas but trust me, the explosion of flavors is totally worth a try.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it makes use of those overripe bananas that I usually throw away. Instead of wasting them, they add a natural sweetness and moisture to the bars, which makes them taste amazing.

I also really enjoy how the peanut butter gives the recipe its rich and nutty flavor, making it different than your usual banana bread. The mix of flavors with the peanut butter, chocolate chips, and oats just works perfectly together.

Another thing i love is that its really easy and quick to put together. I dont have too much time to spend in the kitchen so a recipe like this that comes together fast is just perfect for a quick treat.

Lastly, the mix of textures from the gooey center to the slightly crunchy oats makes eating these bars really fun and satisfying every time i make them.

Ingredients

• Bananas: Provide natural sweetness, moisture, and essential vitamins with added fiber boost.
• Peanut Butter: Offers protein and healthy fats with a creamy, rich flavor.
• Rolled Oats: Deliver fiber and whole grain nutrition with a hearty, nutty taste.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Add bursts of cocoa with slight bittersweet notes.
• Unsalted Butter: Imparts moist texture and richness without extra saltiness.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and structure but should be used moderately.
• Eggs: Contribute protein and binding, ensuring a tender, cohesive crumb and lasting moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor enhancing all ingredients.
• All-purpose Flour: Adds structure from carbs, making bars light and tender.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 overripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease or line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper

2. In a large bowl, mash the 3 overripe bananas then stir in the 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter and 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter

3. Mix in 1 cup granulated sugar followed by the 2 large eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract until well combined

4. In another bowl, sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt

5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture stirring slowly until the batter looks smooth

6. Gently fold in 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips making sure they are evenly distributed

7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it out evenly

8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean when inserted in the center

9. Let the pan cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes so the bars firm up a bit

10. Cut into squares and enjoy these delicious, hearty bars while they are still slightly warm and gooey Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×9 inch baking pan and parchment paper
3. Two mixing bowls (one large for the wet ingredients and one for the dry mix)
4. Fork to mash the bananas
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Sifter or fine-mesh sieve for the dry ingredients
7. Spatula for stirring and spreading the batter evenly
8. Wire rack for cooling the baked bars
9. Toothpick to test if the bars are baked through

FAQ

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of mashed bananas, you could try using unsweetened applesauce. It works pretty well in keeping the moisture.
• If you dont have creamy peanut butter you can substitute with almond butter or even cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.
• For the unsalted butter you can use melted coconut oil. This gives a slight coconut taste and is a good alternative.
• If you’re low on granulated sugar you can swap it with light brown sugar. It will add a bit more moisture and a deeper flavor.
• Out of old fashioned rolled oats? Quick oats could work as a backup but the texture might be a little different.

Pro Tips

1. When you mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones, try do it slowly and gently, so you avoid any clumps and the final texture stays light instead of turning heavy and tough.
2. Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour and oats, a few lumps are ok – it keeps the bars soft and moist instead of getting too dense.
3. If you can, let the batter chill for about 10 minutes before baking; it helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to spread out evenly in the pan.
4. A neat little trick is to sprinkle a tiny bit of extra salt or even cinnamon on the top before baking, this gives the bars a slight kick and a more interesting flavor profile.