Ahhhh these peanut banana oatmeal bars! Every single part hits so good! The banana gives them a natural sweetness and makes them gooey, the peanut butter brings a rich roasted salty peanut flavor and helps keep these bars dense, and the oats give them texture and makes them chewy!

THEN we add chocolate chips that are melty and gooey all through out! Did I say they were a dreamy??

These oatmeal bars make the best meal prep breakfast or snack to pull out and whenever you want to enjoy! And since they’re baked into bars, even work great for on-the-go.

AND not to mention, you only need a handful of ingredients for this recipe. Only three are mandatory (the banana, peanut butter and oats) and then you can add protein powder to when on the go

These bars are healthy and made with good-for-you, wholesome ingredients. They’re protein-packed, fiber-packed and with healthy fats from the peanut butter.

If you love these sweet, tasty oatmeal bars, check out my Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars, Strawberry Jam Crumble Bars or Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars!

• Bananas – A great way to use up those overripe bananas because the riper the better here! The riper they are, the sweeter this bake will be. If you need to ripen your bananas quickly, you can pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
• Peanut Butter – Any type of creamy peanut butter will work! Use your favorite. Use a flavor you like because it will shine through in this bake. I like a salty, rich roasted peanut butter flavor for this like Simple Truth or even JIF. You can technically use any nut butter like almond butter or cashew butter but I think the peanut butter pairs best with the banana!
• Oats – I used thick thick rolled oats aka old-fashioned oats for this recipe because I like the thicker heartier texture. Quick oats would technically work if it’s all you have on hand, these bars just won’t be as chunky and hearty! Steel cut oats won’t work for this recipe.
• Protein Powder – I used PEScience. But the protein powder is optional for this recipe. If you don’t want to add it, simply don’t add it! You don’t need to replace it with anything. Use vegan protein powder if needed.
• Vanilla extract – helps bring out the flavors of the peanut butter and banana even more!
• Chocolate chips- I used Enjoy Life. Dark chocolate chips, semi-sweet, milk chocolate, they all work.

How To Make

The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!

Store in an airtight container or with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 7 days or room temperature for 1-2 days.

To freeze: let the bars cool. For best results, wrap each cup individually in wax paper then place all the bars in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. The bars will stay good for 3-4 months.