Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars

These Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars are the ultimate energy-boosting snack to kickstart your day. They also make an excellent wholesome breakfast and prevent you from feeling hungry for the rest of the morning. These oat bars are soft and chewy, contain no refined sugars, and provide a balanced mix of nutrients that keep you energized.

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There are plenty of energy bars out there, but the ones you can find in supermarket are often packed with added sugars and ingredients that don’t prioritize your health. For this reason, these homemade peanut butter bars are the perfect solution if you’re looking for a better alternative. Additionally, they are already vegetarian and lactose-free but can easily be turned vegan by simply substituting honey. Finally, this recipe is easy to make ahead of time for grab-and-go convenience when you have a busy morning or need a quick snack on the go.

The fusion of peanut butter and oats in a bar appeared in the late half of the 20th century as a nutritious and convenient snack. Consequently, people began making homemade versions incorporating fresh ingredients such as raisins, honey and milk. Nowadays, Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars are very popular among athletes, professionals, and families looking for both nutritious and easy meals.

Once the bars are fully cooked in the oven, I let them cool before cutting them, so they are less soft. They will still have their chewy consistency, but cutting will be easier. It’s up to you how big you want your bars to be. Personally, I like to cut them into medium rectangles and then store them in the freezer for longer preservation. This way, I can be sure to have them on hand when I need them. To enjoy, I let them thaw, or if I am in a rush, I heat them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Ingredients for pb and banana oat bars

• Bananas: mashed bananas are a healthier replacement for added sugars. Additionally, they add moisture, create a soft texture, and help hold the ingredients together, which is important when there are no eggs. Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamins, and dietary fiber, making the bars even more nutritious. Finally, this fruit aids digestion and contributes to feelings of fullness.

• Rolled Oats: when soaked in almond milk, oats provide chewiness, and while baking, they result in a satisfying, hearty texture. Rolled oats are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which help keep energy levels stable throughout the day.

• Peanut Butter: it provides richness, and its smooth texture increases chewiness, creating a satisfying mouthfeel. Moreover, peanut butter is rich in healthy fats and is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, minerals, magnesium and potassium. Finally, this nut butter acts as a binding agent, helping to keep the ingredients together and allowing the bars to maintain their shape.

• Coconut Oil: it retains moisture in the Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars, preventing them from becoming dry and crumbly. Coconut oil has a tropical flavor that enhances the overall taste profile and contains good fats for your body. Even tough they are saturated fats, these are healthier than others and support energy levels.

• Honey: this natural sweetener makes oatmeal bars rich, and thanks to its humectant properties, it helps keep them chewy. Honey is a natural energy source, making this snack great for pre or post-workout.

• Applesauce: it provides natural sweetness, allowing for a reduced use of added sugars. Additionally, applesauce contributes moisture to oatmeal bars and helps keep them smooth. Using this ingredient also helps reduce the overall calorie content of the bars compared to using fats like butter.

• Almond Milk: it adds a nutty flavor, and compared to regular cow’s milk, this beverage is lower in calories. Moreover, almond milk is fortified with vitamins and minerals that enhance the nutritional value of the Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars. This is a great alternative for those with lactose intolerance or those following a vegan diet.

• Baking Powder: when it comes into contact with moisture and heat, this leavening agent causes the batter to rise and become light, preventing the oatmeal bars from becoming too heavy. Baking powder is a convenient leavening option because it works quickly, eliminating the need to wait for dough to rise.

• Cinnamon: this spice adds a warm flavor that complements the other ingredients, such as bananas and peanut butter. Ground cinnamon evokes a sense of comfort, making the bars more inviting, and has anti-inflammatory effect for the body.

• Dried Raisins: their concentrated natural sugars make them a healthy alternative to artificial sweeteners. They are rich in iron, potassium and antioxidants. Raisins aid digestion, promote a feeling of fullness, and add a pleasant contrast to the soft consistency of the Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to prepare the oatmeal bars

In a bowl mash the bananas and add the peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, milk, applesauce, cinnamon, baking powder and vanilla extract.

Add rolled oats, raisins, salt and combine.

Pour the mixture into a lined square baking pan, sprinkle some raisins on top and bake for 25-30 minutes at 180°C.

Remove from the oven, it will still be soft in the center, and let cool for 30 minutes. Once cooled slice into bars.

My tips for healthy energy bars

• Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness. Depending on the ripeness of your bananas, you may want to adjust the amount of honey in the recipe.

• For a vegan alternative, substitute honey with maple or agave syrup.

• I use almond milk, but you can choose the milk you prefer, whether it is plant-based of regular cow’s milk.

• Customize the oatmeal bars by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts or seeds.

• Store the Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container for a few days, or refrigerate them for a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped in plastic wrap or zip-top bag.

Did you try this recipe? Don’t forget to share it with me tagging @nutritiouslysofia on Instagram!