I made these Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars on a random Tuesday morning when I had three spotty bananas and no plan. Turns out, that was the best decision I made all week. They’re soft, chewy, a little nutty, and not overly sweet — kind of like a peanut butter cookie that decided to get its life together and go healthy. You don’t need any fancy tools or obscure ingredients. If you’ve got ripe bananas, oats, and peanut butter, you’re basically there. I usually whip these up before my coffee even kicks in, and trust me, they’ve saved many a hangry moment in our house. Whether you’re meal-prepping, craving a no-fuss snack, or trying to convince your toddler (or let’s be honest, yourself) to eat breakfast, this one’s a keeper. Let’s bake something easy and cozy — and maybe sneak in a few chocolate chips while we’re at it.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe
3) Ingredients for Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
4) How to Make Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
5) Tips for Making Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
6) Making Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
8) Try these snacks next!
9) Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This recipe is gluten-free, naturally sweetened, and freezer-friendly.
It works great for busy mornings, lunchboxes, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
You can mix the ingredients in one bowl, with no mixer required.
Bananas bring sweetness and moisture while peanut butter adds richness and protein.

2) Easy Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe

I don’t know about you, but some mornings just demand a little something warm and chewy to make them feel manageable. That’s where these banana peanut butter oatmeal bars come in. They hit all the sweet easy recipes notes I care about. No flour. No stress. Just real food and a mixing spoon.

We love these because they’re fuss-free. If you can mash a banana, you’re already halfway done. Add peanut butter, oats, and a few pantry friends, and boom—your house smells like a cozy hug. That’s the magic of quick and easy recipes. No overthinking. No rushing around.

These bars are especially great when you’ve got three ripe bananas giving you the side-eye. You can whip up a batch faster than a coffee run. Plus, they work as breakfast, snack, or dessert. Flexible, easy breakfast recipes like this keep my week grounded, even when everything else feels scattered.

3) Ingredients for Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

3 ripe bananas — the riper, the better. They bring the sweetness, the moisture, and that lovely banana bread scent we all know and love.

2 cups rolled oats — these give structure to the bars. Go for old-fashioned oats, not instant, for the best texture. They’re hearty without being heavy.

1/2 cup peanut butter — smooth or chunky works, but I lean creamy. It adds protein, a nutty kick, and a little stick-to-your-ribs richness.

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup — your call. Either way, this adds a touch of extra sweetness and helps bind everything together.

1 tsp vanilla extract — just a splash, but it rounds out the flavor and makes everything smell like home.

1/2 tsp cinnamon — it adds warmth without stealing the spotlight. Perfect for pairing with bananas and peanut butter.

1/4 tsp salt — a tiny bit goes a long way to bring all the other flavors into focus. Don’t skip it.

Optional: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts — not necessary, but definitely encouraged. Add some crunch, sweetness, or fun—whatever fits your mood.

4) How to Make Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment or grease it lightly. You don’t want your bars to stick.

Step 2. In a big bowl, mash your bananas. You don’t need them perfectly smooth. A few chunks are fine and actually add some charm.

Step 3. Add the peanut butter, honey or maple, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together until you’ve got a cohesive, creamy mess.

Step 4. Dump in the oats and optional mix-ins. Stir until combined. You’ll have a thick, spoonable batter that smells like heaven.

Step 5. Spread the mixture evenly in your pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon. Pat it down gently so it bakes evenly.

Step 6. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the top is golden and firm to the touch. Let the bars cool completely before slicing.

Step 7. Slice into 12 bars and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container or freeze them for later. They reheat beautifully.

5) Tips for Making Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Use bananas that are soft, brown-speckled, and almost too ripe. That’s the kind that gives sweet easy recipes their punch. The more spots, the better the flavor.

If you’re using natural peanut butter, give it a good stir before adding. Sometimes the oil separates and we want that creamy texture, not greasy pools.

Want a more dessert-style bar? Toss in chocolate chips or swirl in a spoonful of Nutella. No judgment here. Healthy and easy recipes don’t have to be boring.

6) Making Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Ahead of Time

These bars are perfect for prepping on Sunday and eating all week. Bake, cool, and store them in a container. I like to cut them first and then just grab one when I need something filling.

They’re firm enough to pack in a lunchbox and soft enough to eat with a spoon if you’re in that kind of mood. Kids love them too, which makes snacks easy recipes feel like a win.

You can also freeze them. Wrap each bar in foil or wax paper and stash them in a bag. They thaw quick, and I sometimes eat them cold when I can’t wait.

7) Storing Leftover Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Store these in the fridge for up to five days. Keep them in an airtight container so they don’t dry out. They’ll stay soft and chewy if you tuck them in well.

If you freeze them, they’ll last about two months. Pop one in your bag in the morning and it’s ready by snack time. Perfect for those on-the-go moments when hunger sneaks up.

No need to reheat unless you want to. They’re great cold, room temp, or warm. Just keep extras handy. They disappear fast once you taste one.

8) Try these snacks next!

9) Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe