Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars

Bananas are often hailed as a superfood, and for good reason. They are rich in potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and heart function. A medium banana contains about 422 mg of potassium, making it an excellent choice for replenishing electrolytes, especially after exercise. In addition to potassium, bananas are also packed with vitamins, particularly vitamin C and vitamin B6, both of which play crucial roles in maintaining overall health.

Discover the deliciously satisfying Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars, an easy and nutritious snack for any time of day! These chewy bars combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with creamy peanut butter and wholesome oats, making them perfect for breakfast, post-workout, or a midday treat. This article dives into the health benefits of the main ingredients, includes a simple step-by-step guide for making them, and offers tips for customization. Enjoy a tasty, wholesome snack that boosts your energy!

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Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds) - optional

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or dried fruit (like cranberries or raisins) - optional

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt. If you’re using chopped nuts and chocolate chips or dried fruit, fold them in at this stage as well. Mix until everything is well combined.

Spread Mixture: Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly and evenly using a spatula or your hands to ensure it’s compacted.

Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden-brown and the center is set.

Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut into squares or rectangles.

Store: Enjoy immediately, or store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 30 min | 12 bars