Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars Recipe
These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars combine the rich flavors of peanut butter and ripe bananas with the comforting texture of oats and the sweetness of chocolate chips. Topped with a crunchy peanut butter streusel, these bars are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Batter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 and 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 4 medium ripe bananas)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Streusel:
- 1/2 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9″ x 13″ x 2″ baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside to ensure the bars do not stick.
- Make the Bread Batter: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then beat in the vanilla extract to combine the flavors.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the quick-cooking oats, baking powder, and baking soda. This step ensures that the leavening agents and oats are evenly distributed.
- Mix Dry Into Wet Ingredients: Add the oat mixture to the stand mixer and beat on low to medium speed until everything is well combined. Carefully fold in the mashed ripe bananas and 1 cup of chocolate chips to complete the batter.
- Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, stir the peanut butter, light brown sugar, and quick-cooking oats together with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the bread batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter to create a delicious crumbly layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars, which helps them set and prevents crumbling.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for optimal sweetness and moisture in the bars.
- For added crunch, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy if desired.
- Ensure the baking pan is properly greased to prevent sticking.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
Keywords: Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars, Oatmeal Bars, Chocolate Chip Bars, Healthy Banana Bars, Peanut Butter Snack Bars
