Are you ready to indulge in a delightful treat that’s both wholesome and irresistible? Look no further than these Peanut Butter and Banana Bars! Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the creamy goodness of peanut butter, this recipe is not only a delicious snack but also a nutritious option for any time of the day. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick prep time of only 10 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these mouthwatering bars that are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an on-the-go snack. Trust us, once you take a bite, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth and creamy. The bananas should be very soft and without large chunks.
- Add peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well using a whisk or spatula until all ingredients are completely combined and form a uniform mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
- If using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter gently, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 16 even squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips
- Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be! Look for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, so be kind to your batter!
- Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Add nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost. Chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended for a decadent touch.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bars as they bake. They’re done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them to ensure they hold their shape and texture.
- Storage Tips: Store your bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
