why make this recipe
These 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars are a quick and easy treat that everyone will love. They are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a deliciously satisfying snack that is also healthy. They are naturally sweetened with bananas and packed with protein from peanut butter, making them a great option for those looking to fuel their day with wholesome ingredients.
how to make 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars
Ingredients:
- 3 very ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup smooth (natural) peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup instant or quick cooking oats
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, add the bananas and mash them until almost smooth.
- Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well to combine.
- Stir in the oats, salt, and baking powder until everything is mixed together.
- Fold in 1/3 cup of the chocolate chips, setting aside the rest for the top of the bars.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out on top with a spoon or spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top of the mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool before cutting them into 6-8 pieces.
how to serve 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars
You can serve these bars warm or at room temperature. They make a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. You can enjoy them as they are, or serve them with a bit of yogurt or fruit on the side for extra flavor and nutrition.
how to store 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars
To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
tips to make 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars
- Make sure to use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor.
- You can mix in nuts or dried fruit to add more texture and flavor to the bars.
- If you prefer softer bars, bake them for the shorter time mentioned in the recipe.
variation
For a nut-free version, use sun butter or almond butter instead of peanut butter. You can also add spices like cinnamon for added flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use old bananas?
Yes! In fact, the riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
2. Can I use rolled oats instead of instant oats?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Rolled oats will create a heartier bar, while instant oats will make them softer.
3. What can I do if I don’t have chocolate chips?
You can skip the chocolate chips or substitute them with raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts.
4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pieces very ripe bananas Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor.
- ¼ cup smooth (natural) peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups instant or quick cooking oats Rolled oats can be used, but the texture will differ.
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup chocolate chips Reserve 1/3 cup for folding in and the rest for topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, add the bananas and mash them until almost smooth.
- Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well to combine.
- Stir in the oats, salt, and baking powder until everything is mixed together.
- Fold in 1/3 cup of the chocolate chips, setting aside the rest for the top of the bars.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out on top with a spoon or spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top of the mixture.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool before cutting them into 6-8 pieces.
