4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars: A Healthy and Easy Snack
Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and healthy snack, these 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars are perfect for you! Made with just a few simple ingredients, these bars are naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and packed with protein and fiber from oats and peanut butter. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make and are a great option for breakfast, a midday snack, or a post-workout treat. Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe that will become a go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3 super ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup smooth natural peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups instant or quick-cooking oats
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Mash the Bananas
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until they are nearly smooth with just a few lumps left. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be.
3. Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla
- Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until well combined with the mashed bananas. This creates a creamy base for the bars.
4. Mix in the Dry Ingredients
- Add the oats, salt, and baking powder to the banana mixture. Stir until everything is fully incorporated and the batter is thick and sticky.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips
- Gently fold in 1/3 cup of chocolate chips, reserving the remaining chips for the top of the bars. This adds delicious bursts of chocolate in every bite.
6. Prepare for Baking
- Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, using a spoon or spatula to smooth the top evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top of the mixture for a bit of extra indulgence.
7. Bake and Cool
- Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 6-8 pieces.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 bars
- Calories: 150 kcal per serving
Tips for Success
- Bananas: Make sure to use super ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots on the peel. The riper they are, the sweeter your bars will be, making them perfect without the need for added sugar.
- Peanut Butter: Use natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils for a cleaner, healthier version of these bars.
- Mix-ins: Feel free to customize these bars by adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
These 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars are a fantastic, healthy treat that’s simple to make and perfect for on-the-go snacking. With no refined sugar and wholesome ingredients like oats and peanut butter, they provide energy and satisfy your sweet tooth without any guilt. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option, a post-workout snack, or just a delicious way to use up ripe bananas, these bars are a must-try.
4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
Description
These 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars are a delightful and healthy snack made with simple, wholesome ingredients. The ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the bars, while the peanut butter brings a creamy richness that perfectly complements the hearty oats. A handful of chocolate chips takes these bars to the next level, adding a touch of indulgence to every bite.
Ingredients
3 super ripe bananas
1/4 cup smooth natural peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups instant or quick-cooking oats
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until nearly smooth. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Add the oats, salt, and baking powder to the banana mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
Fold in 1/3 cup of the chocolate chips, reserving the rest for topping the bars.
Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spoon or spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool in the pan before cutting into 6-8 pieces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150