Irresistible Peanut Butter Banana Bars Recipe to Savor

Peanut Butter Banana Bars deliver a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Imagine soft, chewy bars infused with creamy peanut butter and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, creating an irresistible treat that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

These bars have become a staple in my kitchen, bringing back memories of lazy Sunday afternoons spent baking with my grandmother. They are perfect for breakfast on the go, after-school snacks, or even as a healthy dessert option. Trust me; once you’ve made these Peanut Butter Banana Bars, you’ll be counting down the days until you can whip up another batch!

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Banana Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor.

• Peanut Butter: Use creamy or crunchy peanut butter based on your texture preference. Natural options without added sugar work great too.

• Oats: Rolled oats provide a wholesome base for these bars, adding fiber and texture. Avoid instant oats for best results.

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Sweeteners like honey or maple syrup enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them.

• Baking Powder: A small amount helps the bars rise slightly and gives them a fluffy texture.

• Salt: Just a pinch balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in this delightful treat.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Bars

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mash Those Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash about three ripe bananas until smooth. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps—those little banana bits add character!

Step 3: Mix It Up

Add in one cup of creamy peanut butter, half a cup of honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well combined. You want your mixture to be thick but spreadable—a bit like trying to spread cold butter on toast!

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in two cups of rolled oats along with one teaspoon of baking powder. Mix until just combined; over-mixing can lead to dense bars that are far from heavenly.

Step 5: Pour & Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly using a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top and set in the center.

Step 6: Cool & Slice

Remove from the oven and let cool for at least ten minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles. Serve warm or store them for later; they’re even better after chilling!

Enjoy these delicious Peanut Butter Banana Bars as an energizing snack or sweet treat anytime!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mashing the bananas first for an easy blending experience. Then, mix in the peanut butter before adding dry ingredients. Bake until golden brown, letting the aroma fill your kitchen and entice everyone nearby.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out peanut butter for almond or cashew butter if you’re feeling adventurous. Toss in chocolate chips or dried fruit for an extra flavor punch. Customize it to fit your taste buds!

Storing & Reheating

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them and enjoy chilled or warmed in the microwave for about 10 seconds.

Sometimes I whip up these Peanut Butter Banana Bars when I’m running late for work, and they save my morning! My friends always ask me for the recipe after one bite; they’re that good!

FAQs:

What are Peanut Butter Banana Bars?

Peanut Butter Banana Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack made from ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, oats, and a few other wholesome ingredients. These bars are perfect for breakfast or as an on-the-go treat. They offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, providing both sweetness and protein. Easy to make, they can be customized with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.

How do I store Peanut Butter Banana Bars?

To keep your Peanut Butter Banana Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to prolong their shelf life, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to a week. You can also freeze the bars for longer storage. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will maintain their taste and texture for about three months.

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use natural peanut butter when making Peanut Butter Banana Bars. In fact, natural peanut butter adds a rich flavor and creaminess that elevates these bars. However, keep in mind that natural peanut butter may have a different consistency compared to processed varieties. You might need to adjust the amount slightly based on how oily your natural peanut butter is.

Are Peanut Butter Banana Bars suitable for children?

Peanut Butter Banana Bars make an excellent snack for children due to their nutritional value and taste appeal. Packed with healthy ingredients like bananas and oats, these bars provide energy without excessive added sugars. They are easy to chew and digest, making them suitable for young kids as well as older ones. Always ensure there are no nut allergies before offering these tasty treats.

Conclusion for Peanut Butter Banana Bars:

In conclusion, Peanut Butter Banana Bars offer a wholesome snack option that combines flavor with nutrition. Easy to prepare and customizable with various add-ins, they cater to different tastes and dietary needs. Store them conveniently at room temperature or in the fridge for lasting freshness. Whether enjoyed as breakfast or an afternoon treat, these bars will satisfy cravings while keeping you energized throughout the day. Give this simple recipe a try and enjoy the delightful blend of banana and peanut butter!

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Peanut Butter Banana Bars

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Peanut Butter Banana Bars are an irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter and ripe bananas, resulting in soft and chewy bars that are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or healthy desserts. Easy to make and customizable with your favorite mix-ins, these bars are a hit with both kids and adults alike. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will keep everyone coming back for more!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 bars 1x
• Category: Snack/Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Stir in the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and salt until well combined.
4. Gently fold in the rolled oats and baking powder until just mixed.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
7. Cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips or nuts. - Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and easier mashing. - Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.