If you ever find yourself yearning for a treat that beautifully combines luscious flavors with wholesome ingredients, you absolutely must try this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe. It’s a delightful mashup of creamy peanut butter, naturally sweet bananas, and decadent chocolate chips, all baked into soft, chewy bars that feel like a warm hug. These bars not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also sneak in nutritious oats and whole wheat flour, making them perfect for a snack or a dessert that feels indulgent without the guilt. Trust me, once you whip up a batch, they’ll become your go-to whenever you crave something comforting yet nourishing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient serves a purpose, creating that perfect balance between sweetness, texture, and nourishment. From the ripe bananas that bring natural sweetness and moisture to the oats that add chewy goodness, each component plays a starring role in the final masterpiece.
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed: These add natural sweetness and keep the bars moist and tender.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Provides richness and a buttery texture with a lovely nutty flavor.
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter: Adds moistness and a subtle richness, choose coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- â…“ cup honey or maple syrup: Sweetens the bars naturally while enhancing depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the overall taste with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold all ingredients together, making the bars nice and tender.
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats: Brings a satisfying chew and wholesome texture.
- ½ cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose): Adds structure and a touch of nuttiness; whole wheat amps up the nutrition.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly and maintain fluffiness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional): Gives a cozy, warm note that complements banana and peanut butter beautifully.
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The irresistible pockets of melty chocolate throughout every bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this step is key to ensuring your bars come out effortlessly without sticking, making cleanup just as breezy as baking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, creamy peanut butter, melted coconut oil (or butter), honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and the egg. Stir everything until the mixture is smooth and beautifully blended. You’ll love how the aromas develop at this stage, with the peanut butter and vanilla taking center stage.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Next, add in the oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Stir well until all the dry ingredients are fully integrated into the wet mix, creating a thick, hearty batter that’s just begging to be baked.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter. This step ensures every bite will have delightful bursts of melty chocolate without the chips sinking to the bottom.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center feels set and a toothpick comes out clean after a poke. Be patient and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing to ensure they hold their shape beautifully.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra pizzazz, sprinkle some chopped peanuts or a light drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate over the bars just before serving. A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side takes these bars into pure indulgence territory.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices for a refreshing contrast. A warm cup of coffee or chai latte also complements the flavors perfectly, creating a cozy snack or dessert break.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the bars on a rustic wooden board for a casual gathering or cut them into smaller bite-sized squares and arrange them on a colorful platter for a party. Wrapping individual bars in parchment with a ribbon makes a sweet homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them to extend freshness for up to a week. This makes it easy to grab a quick, wholesome snack whenever hunger strikes.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, they freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a soft, delicious treat anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy warm bars, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes until warmed through. The chocolate chips will melt delightfully, making every bite extra comforting.
FAQs
Can I substitute the peanut butter with another nut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter work just as well and add their unique nutty twist to the bars. Just use creamy versions for the best texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The coconut oil keeps it wonderfully moist and vegan-friendly.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
While old-fashioned oats provide the best texture with a lovely chew, you can use quick oats in a pinch. The bars might be a bit softer, but they will still taste delicious.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots work best! They are sweeter and softer, which helps keep the bars moist and intensifies the banana flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger baking pan, such as 9×13 inches, adjusting the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on it and test for doneness with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about homemade bars that blend health and indulgence in perfect harmony, and that’s exactly what you get with the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe. Whether you’re after a quick snack, a simple dessert, or a treat to pack for your kid’s lunchbox, these bars deliver every time. I encourage you to dive in and bake a batch—you might find these bars becoming one of your all-time favorites, just like they are mine!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a delicious and healthy snack or dessert, combining ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate chips in a moist, chewy bar. Perfect for a quick energy boost or a sweet treat, these bars are easy to make with wholesome ingredients and can be customized for vegan diets.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- â…“ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Add-ins
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly. Add the creamy peanut butter, melted coconut oil or butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and the egg. Mix everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, stir in the old-fashioned oats, whole wheat or all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. Mix until all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the batter.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift out the parchment paper and slice the batter into 9 bars for serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.
