No-Bake Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars (Print Version)
No-bake banana peanut butter oatmeal bars are a quick, healthy snack or breakfast. Made with simple ingredients, these protein-packed bars are perfect for meal prep.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ The Wholesome Oat Foundation
01 -
2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 -
1/4 cup ground flaxseed meal
03 -
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
04 -
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
→ Creamy Banana-Peanut Butter Core
05 -
3 large ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
06 -
1 cup creamy natural peanut butter
07 -
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
08 -
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
09 -
2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
→ Optional Flavor & Texture Boosters
10 -
1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
11 -
1/4 cup chopped dry roasted peanuts
12 -
1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/4 cup ground flaxseed meal, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure even distribution for your Easy Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars (No-Bake).
02 -
In a separate medium bowl, mash 3 large ripe bananas until very smooth, about 1 1/2 cups. Ensure there are no large lumps, as this will be the base for the creamy texture of your Easy Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars (No-Bake).
03 -
To the mashed bananas, add 1 cup creamy natural peanut butter, 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp melted coconut oil. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined, forming a cohesive wet base.
04 -
Pour the wet banana-peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the dry oat mixture. Stir well with a sturdy spoon or spatula until all the oats are evenly coated and a thick, uniform dough forms. This is crucial for the bar's structure.
05 -
Gently fold in 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/4 cup chopped dry roasted peanuts, and 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut, if using. Distribute these optional flavor and texture boosters evenly throughout the mixture.
06 -
Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Transfer the oatmeal bar mixture to the prepared pan and press it down firmly and evenly using the back of a spoon or your hands. This ensures perfectly formed Easy Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars (No-Bake).
07 -
Refrigerate the pan for at least 2-3 hours, or until the Easy Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars (No-Bake) are completely firm. Chilling is essential for them to set properly and hold their shape when cut.
08 -
Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into 12 equal bars. Serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.
# Notes:
01 -
For the best flavor and natural sweetness, ensure your bananas are very ripe with plenty of brown spots. This also makes them easier to mash and incorporate smoothly into the mixture.
02 -
Store these no-bake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before serving.
03 -
Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins! Try adding dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, white chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before chilling for extra flair.
04 -
Using natural creamy peanut butter (where oil separates) is key for the right consistency. If using a no-stir variety, you might need to slightly adjust the coconut oil quantity if the mixture seems too dry or too wet.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
Measuring cups and spoons
03 -
Fork or potato masher
04 -
9x13 inch baking dish
05 -
Parchment paper
06 -
Spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 361 kcal
Total Fat: 20 g
Total Carbohydrate: 46 g
Protein: 10 g