If you love the cozy warmth of baked oatmeal combined with the timeless flavors of peanut butter and banana, you’re in for a treat with this Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars Recipe. These bars are the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, naturally sweet bananas, and tender oats, baked to golden perfection and studded with melty chocolate chips. They’re hearty enough to fuel your day but delicious enough to feel like a special indulgence. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast on the go or a nourishing snack, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that will leave you reaching for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a thick, light brown batter mixed with oatmeal and scattered dark chocolate chips throughout. The texture looks creamy and chunky with the oatmeal pieces visible in every part. Inside the bowl, a white spoon with batter on it rests in the mixture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some oats spilled nearby and a soft blue cloth under part of the bowl. The whole setup has soft, natural lighting showing clear detail of the batter and ingredients photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting these Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars Recipe right starts with a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an important role, whether adding moisture, binding everything together, or packing in flavor and nutrition.

Mashed ripe bananas: About 1 cup provides natural sweetness and moisture while keeping the bars soft and chewy.
Eggs: Two eggs help bind the ingredients and add that lovely richness.
Natural creamy peanut butter: Half a cup gives a smooth, nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the bananas.
Almond milk: Half a cup—for a subtle creaminess; you can swap with any milk you prefer.
Pure maple syrup: Half a cup adds a delicate, natural sweetness and caramel notes.
Vanilla extract: One teaspoon boosts the overall flavor with a warm, fragrant touch.
Rolled oats: Two cups create the hearty base and provide wonderful texture.
Oat flour: Quarter cup adds structure and keeps the bars wholesome.
Baking powder: Two teaspoons give these bars a gentle lift while baking.
Ground cinnamon: One teaspoon for a touch of warmth and spice that complements the bananas perfectly.
Salt: Quarter teaspoon to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
Chocolate chips: Half a cup plus extra for topping—because a little chocolate makes everything better.

How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking tray with parchment paper so your bars don’t stick and come out with perfect edges every time. This simple prep step saves cleanup hassles and lets you lift the bars out with ease.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed ripe bananas, eggs, creamy peanut butter, almond milk, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mixing these first ensures your base is smooth, rich, and infused with that signature peanut butter-banana blend.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Now, gently stir in two cups of rolled oats, oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients bring structure and heartiness, while the cinnamon adds a cozy hint of spice. Be sure to fold in the chocolate chips last so they remain evenly dispersed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Scatter extra chocolate chips on top for a melty, inviting finish. Place your tray in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know the bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges turn a beautiful golden-brown. Let them cool completely before slicing into nine squares—that’s the key to bars that hold their shape and texture perfectly.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars Recipe

The image shows a square oat cookie on a white plate with a slightly rough texture and light brown color made from oats. The cookie has dark brown melted chocolate chips spread across its top layer, along with a few small white flakes sprinkled on it. The cookie’s surface is uneven and crumbly with visible oat pieces. A silver spoon is partially under the cookie on the left side of the plate. Around the plate, there are small bowls containing raw oats, some peanut butter, and part of another plate with a similar cookie. The background is a clean white marbled texture with scattered oat pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra peanut butter on top can add a lovely finishing touch. You can also sprinkle some crunchy chopped peanuts for texture contrast that amps up the nutty goodness.

Side Dishes

These bars are delicious on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of Greek yogurt or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal. A cup of your favorite coffee or tea makes the perfect companion for breakfast or afternoon snack time.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering crumbled bars over vanilla ice cream for a quick and comforting dessert. Alternatively, cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on a brunch platter with nuts, fresh berries, and spreads for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay moist and flavorful and are perfect for quick grab-and-go snacks.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to three months, so you can have a healthy treat ready whenever you want.

Reheating

To enjoy thawed bars warm, microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or heat briefly in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. This revives their soft, freshly baked texture and makes the chocolate chips delectably melty again.

FAQs

Can I use peanut butter alternatives in this recipe?

Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter can be great substitutes. Just keep in mind they might slightly alter the flavor profile, but you’ll still get that creamy, nutty richness.

Are these bars gluten-free?

If you use certified gluten-free rolled oats and oat flour, then yes, this Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars Recipe can be enjoyed gluten-free. Always double-check labels if you’re sensitive to gluten.

Can I make these bars vegan?

To make the recipe vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk. The bars will still be delicious and moist!

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots will provide maximum sweetness and moisture, which helps keep the bars tender and flavorful.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

Yes, feel free to mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries to add more texture and flavor. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars Recipe is a heartfelt favorite that combines simplicity with amazing taste. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to time and again because it’s easy, nourishing, and just downright delicious. So go ahead, try it out, and watch these bars become your new go-to for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert!