Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars
Highlighted under: 5-Ingredient Fix Recipes
Delightfully moist and packed with flavor, these Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars are perfect for a quick snack or a satisfying breakfast.
These Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars are a delightful twist on traditional banana bread. Combining the rich flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of ripe bananas, these bars are not only delicious but also nutritious. They make for a perfect snack that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike!
Why You'll Love These Bars
- Rich peanut butter flavor that complements the sweetness of bananas
- Perfectly moist texture that keeps them fresh for days
- Easy to make and great for meal prep or on-the-go snacks
The Perfect Snack for Any Time
Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars are incredibly versatile, making them an ideal snack for any time of day. Whether you need a quick breakfast on the go, a post-workout treat, or a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up, these bars fit the bill. Their rich flavor profile not only fills you up but also satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt of overly sugary snacks.
These bars are packed with wholesome ingredients, making them a nutritious choice for all ages. The combination of ripe bananas and creamy peanut butter provides natural sweetness and a boost of energy. Plus, they’re a great way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. Enjoying these bars means treating yourself to something delicious while nourishing your body.
Meal Prep Made Easy
One of the best aspects of these Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars is their meal prep potential. You can whip up a batch at the beginning of the week and have a convenient snack ready to go. Simply slice the bars and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will remain fresh for up to a week. This makes them perfect for busy individuals and families alike.
In addition to their great taste and easy storage, these bars are also customizable. Feel free to add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to suit your taste preferences. This flexibility allows you to create different flavor profiles, ensuring that you never get bored of the same snack.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
The main ingredients in these Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars contribute to their health benefits. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium and vitamin C, which support heart health and boost your immune system. They also provide natural energy, making them a perfect pre-workout snack.
Peanut butter, on the other hand, is rich in protein and healthy fats. It helps keep you feeling full longer and provides essential nutrients like magnesium and vitamin E. Together, these ingredients create a balanced snack that not only tastes great but also supports your overall health.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and rolled oats.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into bars.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for the Best Bars
For the best results, make sure your bananas are very ripe. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots, as these will add natural sweetness to your recipe.
When measuring your peanut butter, consider warming it slightly in the microwave. This will make it easier to mix into the other wet ingredients, ensuring a smooth batter. A little oil can also be added if the peanut butter is particularly thick.
Serving Suggestions
These bars can be enjoyed on their own or paired with your favorite toppings. Try spreading a thin layer of yogurt on top for added creaminess, or drizzle with a bit of honey for an extra touch of sweetness. Fresh fruits like berries can also enhance the flavor and presentation.
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, consider serving the bars with a handful of granola or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on the side. This not only adds texture but also boosts the nutritional value of your snack.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other nut butters?
Yes, almond butter or cashew butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter.
→ How can I make these bars vegan?
You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce.
→ Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Wrap them individually and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
→ What can I serve these bars with?
They pair wonderfully with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey.
Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars
Delightfully moist and packed with flavor, these Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars are perfect for a quick snack or a satisfying breakfast.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: 5-Ingredient Fix Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
For the Bars
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and rolled oats.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into bars.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 5g