Peanut Butter Banana Protein Bars (Print Version)
Chewy bars with peanut butter, banana, oats, and protein—ideal for snacking or a nutritious start.
# Components:
→ Wet Ingredients
01 - 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
02 - 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
03 - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Dry Ingredients
05 - 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
06 - 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
07 - 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (optional)
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
02 - Mash bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Incorporate peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until homogeneous.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk oats, protein powder, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt.
04 - Add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir until fully incorporated. Gently fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts, if using.
05 - Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
06 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until edges are golden and center is set.
07 - Let bars cool completely in pan. Slice into 12 bars once cooled.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Uses only simple whole-food ingredients you probably have in your pantry
- Ready from start to finish in about forty minutes
- Naturally sweetened with banana and honey so no refined sugars
- Adaptable for vegan or gluten-free diets with a few swaps
- Great for meal prep and stays soft for days
02 -
- High in plant protein and packed with fiber
- Easy to customize for allergies or dietary needs
- Bars freeze beautifully for long-term storage
03 -
- Mash the bananas until completely smooth for the best texture in every bar
- Choose a protein powder with a taste and texture you love since it makes a big difference in flavor
- Allowing the bars to cool entirely before slicing keeps them from falling apart even if you are tempted to dig in early