Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe

If you have a soft spot for hearty breakfasts that are both delicious and nourishing, then the Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These bars combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the creamy richness of peanut butter and a luscious layer of chocolate on top, making each bite a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you need a grab-and-go breakfast or a satisfying snack, these bars are packed with wholesome ingredients that fuel your day in the most delightful way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create a breakfast bar bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the oats bringing chewiness and fiber to the bananas imparting natural sweetness and moisture.

• 2 bananas, overripe, mashed (~1 cup): Perfect for sweetness and moistness, plus they bind everything together naturally.
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds a rich, nutty creaminess that complements the bananas perfectly.
• 1 large egg: Helps to hold the bars together while enriching the texture.
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar or organic cane sugar: Provides a gentle sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
• 1/3 cup honey: Adds moisture and a touch of floral sweetness that balances the peanut butter.
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a warm, fragrant note.
• 1 1/2 cups quick cook oats: The hearty base that delivers fiber and a satisfying chew.
• 1 cup almond flour or almond meal: Brings a subtle nuttiness and tender crumb to the bars.
• 2 Tbsp. ground flaxseed: Boosts fiber and omega-3s while helping with binding.
• 1 tsp. kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon: Adds a comforting warmth and depth of flavor.
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips: For melting into a decadent topping that brings a bittersweet contrast.
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (for topping): Creates a silky chocolate-peanut butter topping that’s simply irresistible.
• Flaky sea salt, optional: Sprinkled on top for a sophisticated touch of saltiness to highlight the chocolate.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature while you prepare your mixture. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easy to lift out the bars once baked.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, creamy peanut butter, egg, coconut sugar (or cane sugar), honey, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This luscious blend serves as the flavorful and sticky base for your bars.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

To the wet ingredients, add the quick cook oats, almond flour, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Stir gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are just combined and the mixture forms a thick, hearty batter.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are golden. This guarantees moist, chewy bars with a tender crumb.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping

While the bars bake, combine the dark chocolate chips and half a cup of creamy peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely smooth and glossy. This decadent topping will be poured over the bars right after they come out of the oven.

Step 6: Finish and Chill

Once the bars are ready, carefully pour the melted chocolate peanut butter mixture over them, smoothing it into an even layer with a spatula. For an extra touch of flavor and texture, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top if desired. Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes to allow the topping to set before slicing into nine bars and enjoying.

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after spreading the chocolate topping not only adds a beautiful finish but also enhances the sweet and salty flavor combination. For a touch of freshness, consider adding thin banana slices or a drizzle of additional peanut butter before serving.

Side Dishes

These bars shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or a refreshing glass of milk for a balanced breakfast. If you want a more substantial meal, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a handful of fresh berries complements the richness and adds a burst of color and nutrients.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these bars at a brunch or gathering, try arranging them on a wooden board accompanied by small bowls of peanut butter, chocolate chips, and sliced bananas so guests can customize their bars. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine also makes them perfect for gifting or on-the-go snacks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This keeps them fresh, while the chocolate topping remains perfectly set and the bars stay moist and flavorful.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 2-3 months, ready for whenever you need a quick, wholesome breakfast or snack.

Reheating

To enjoy your bars warm, simply unwrap one and microwave it for 15-20 seconds or let them thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This brings out the softness and intensifies the chocolate-peanut butter goodness without losing any of the bars’ signature texture.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick cook oats?

Yes, you can substitute old-fashioned oats, but your bars might be a bit chewier and require a slightly longer baking time. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t get too dry.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the egg?

Absolutely! You can use a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and letting it rest until it becomes gel-like. This works great as a binder while keeping the bars vegan-friendly.

Can I use peanut butter powder or another nut butter?

Peanut butter powder isn’t ideal here because the recipe relies on creamy peanut butter’s moisture and fat content. However, you can swap peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different but equally delicious flavor.

What’s the best way to make the chocolate topping if I don’t have a microwave?

No microwave? No problem! You can melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together in a double boiler on the stove, stirring until smooth before pouring it over the bars.

Are these bars suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely! The Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe is perfect for prepping ahead. Make a batch on the weekend, store them properly, and enjoy a quick nutritious breakfast or snack all week long.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves a mix of wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavors in their breakfast. It’s easy to make, nourishing, and sure to please the whole family. Give it a try and watch these bars quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

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