Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars Recipe

I love using overripe bananas to spark creativity in the kitchen. When I mix mashed bananas with eggs, melted butter, and a creamy peanut butter swirl, a hint of sugar and vanilla is all it takes before adding oats, flour, and a handful of chocolate chips. These Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are truly unforgettable.

I’ve always been a fan of putting a creative spin on classic treats, and these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars are no exception. When life gives you overripe bananas, why waste ’em?

I mix up 3 mashed bananas with 2 large eggs, blend in about 1/3 cup of melted butter, and stir in 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter and sugar to create a rich base. I then add 1 tsp vanilla extract along with 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and a pinch of salt.

And yeah, 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips throws in a fun surprise in every bite. I love experimenting with these bars, which work great as a quick breakfast or even an easy to package dessert.

This recipe is my go-to when I need a little creative boost in the kitchen.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really like this recipe because it’s super easy to make and doesn’t take a ton of time, which is awesome when I’m in a rush or just wanna whip something up without stressing too much.
2. I love how it uses overripe bananas – they’re not only great for reducing food waste but they also make the bars really moist and flavorful, something I always appreciate in a good snack.
3. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate chips is just perfect, giving a mix of creamy and sweet textures that makes every bite feel like a little treat.
4. I enjoy that it’s a healthy-ish option with oats, but still indulges my sweet tooth, making it an ideal balance between treat and comfort food.

Ingredients

• Bananas: These overripe bananas pack natural sweetness and fibre, help moist the mix and boost flavor.
• Eggs: Eggs add structure and protein.

  They bind ingredients together and enrich the texture.

• Peanut Butter: Adds rich protein and healthy fats.

  It makes creamy nutty undertones in the bars.

• Rolled Oats: Provide fibre, texture, and heartiness.

  They are healthy carbs that keep you satisfied.

• Chocolate Chips: Bring bursts of sweetness and a delightful melt.

  They are fun treat bits.

• Melted Butter: Provides richness and binds flavors together.

  Its fats ensure a moist, velvety crumb.

• Sugar: Sugar naturally adds sweetness and improves browning, perfectly balancing flavors in every bite.
• Together: These ingredients work harmoniously to create flavorful, hearty bars that satisfy every craving.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 overripe bananas, mashed
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup melted butter (or oil if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (brown sugar works too if you like)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square pan or line it with parchment paper

2. In a large bowl, mash the overripe bananas until they are mostly smooth

3. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl then whisk in your melted butter (or oil), peanut butter, sugar, and vanilla extract

4. Mix the dry ingredients in another bowl; combine the flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt

5. Stir the dry mix into the wet mix until just combined dont overmix or your bars might turn out tough

6. Fold in the chocolate chips gently so every bite gets a little bit of chocolatey goodness

7. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and even it out with a spatula

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

9. Let the pan cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting it into bars

10. Enjoy these delicious, hearty peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip banana bread bars while they are slightly warm for the best taste!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 8-inch square baking pan (or suitable alternative)
3. Parchment paper (if you prefer not to grease)
4. At least three mixing bowls
5. Fork or potato masher for mashing bananas
6. Whisk for beating eggs and mixing liquids
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Spatula to spread the batter evenly
9. Toothpick for testing doneness
10. Knife for cutting the bars after cooling

FAQ

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

• For the eggs, you can try using 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg; it gives a similar moist texture.
• If you want a dairy-free option, swap the melted butter for coconut oil. It changes the flavor a bit but still tastes awesome.
• If you’re not a big fan of peanut butter or have a nut allergy, you can use almond butter instead, or even sunflower seed butter in a pinch.
• You can replace the granulated sugar with an equal amount of maple syrup or honey, but you might want to cut a bit of the other liquids from the recipe.

Pro Tips

1. Don’t overmix the batter when combining the wet and dry ingredients cause that can make the bars turn out tough and chewy.
2. Let the batter sit for a few minutes before poping it in the oven so the oats can soak up all that yummy flavor.
3. Gently fold in the chocolate chips so you make sure they’re spread out evenly and every bite gets a sweet treat.
4. Use parchment paper in your pan to help the bars slide right out when they’re done, which means less mess and more perfect slices every time.