4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars

Peanut butter and banana are a match made in culinary heaven. With the 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars, this delectable pairing transforms into a wholesome treat that’s both easy to make and delightful to eat. These bars are sweet, chewy, and packed with the rich flavor of peanut butter complemented by the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. The texture is dense yet soft, with a slight chewiness from the oats and pockets of melted chocolate throughout.

this recipe

What You’ll Need for 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars

Complete Ingredients List

• 3 very ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup smooth natural peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cup instant or quick cooking oats
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

If you have dietary restrictions or simply want to switch up the ingredients, here are some alternatives for the components of this recipe:

• Peanut Butter: You can replace it with almond butter or cashew butter if you have a peanut allergy or want a different nutty flavor.
• Oats: For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats.
• Chocolate Chips: Consider using dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan option or swapping them for chopped nuts or dried fruits.
• Bananas: If you don’t have bananas, unsweetened applesauce can be used, although the flavor will change significantly.

How to Make 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bars from sticking. This simple preparation step ensures an easier release and cleaner cut when the bars are done.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, add the three very ripe bananas. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the bananas until they’re almost smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture. The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be, so choose bananas that are covered in dark spots or even blackened for maximum natural sweetness.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

To the mashed bananas, add the 1/4 cup of smooth natural peanut butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they’re well combined and smooth, creating the base for the bars.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Next, add in the 1 1/4 cup of instant or quick cooking oats, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Gently stir the mixture until all dry ingredients are fully incorporated. The oats should absorb some of the moisture from the bananas and peanut butter, creating a cohesive dough.

Step 5: Mix in Chocolate Chips

Now, reserve 1/3 cup of the chocolate chips and fold the remaining chips into the oat mixture. This will evenly distribute the chocolate throughout the bars.

Step 6: Pour and Smooth

Pour the mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the mixture evenly, smoothing out the top to ensure even baking.

Step 7: Top with Remaining Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top of the batter to create a chocolatey layer on the bars.

Step 8: Bake

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid opening the oven door too frequently during baking to maintain a consistent temperature.

Step 9: Cool and Cut

Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, use a knife to loosen the edges before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. When fully cooled, cut into 6-8 pieces.

Serving Suggestions for 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars

How to Serve 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars

These bars can be enjoyed warm, but they are delicious at room temperature as well. If you prefer a gooey chocolate experience, eating them while they’re still slightly warm enhances the chocolate chip melting sensation.

To serve, simply cut the bars into squares or rectangles, and if you’re presenting them for a gathering, consider placing them on a decorative plate or platter.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

For added flair, consider drizzling some melted chocolate over the top or sprinkling a bit of sea salt to enhance the flavor. Serve them alongside a scoop of yogurt, fresh berries, or a tall glass of almond milk for a complete snack experience. For those who enjoy a crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before serving.

Storing & Preserving 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars

Best Storage Methods

To store your peanut butter banana bars, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator where they will last up to a week.

For freezing, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place all wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

To reheat a bar, simply place it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until warm. If frozen, allow the bars to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This will help retain their moisture and delicious texture.

Tips for Perfect 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense bars. Be gentle when folding in dry ingredients.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, especially when it comes to dry ingredients like oats and baking powder.
• Using under-ripe bananas: Ripe bananas bring the sweetness and moisture necessary for the best flavor.

Helpful Tricks for Success

• Banana ripeness: For the sweetest results, look for bananas that are very ripe, which should have brown spots. The riper they are, the easier they are to mash and the sweeter your bars will be.
• Let them cool: After baking, give the bars ample time to cool completely in the pan. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for an extra warmth and depth in flavor.

Fun Variations of 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

• Nut Variation: Swap in different nut butters, like almond or hazelnut, for a change in flavor.
• Fruit Add-Ins: Mix in some chopped apples, blueberries, or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.
• Spices: Consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to elevate the flavor profile.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

• Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a plant-based sweetener and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
• Keto-Friendly: Substitute oats with ground flaxseed or almond flour, and use sugar-free chocolate chips.

FAQs

What If My 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

If your bars are too dry, try adding a little more mashed banana or a splash of almond milk to the mixture. On the other hand, if they are too wet, ensure that you baked them long enough, or add a few more oats the next time you make them.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Yes, the batter can be made a day in advance. Simply cover it and stick it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. The bars can also be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

If you don’t have bananas, you could use unsweetened applesauce; it might alter the taste but will keep the moisture. Alternatively, if you need to skip oats due to gluten concerns, consider using finely ground almonds or coconut flour, though adjustments in liquid may be necessary.

By following these guidelines and experimenting to find the flavors and textures you like best, you’re sure to create a batch of 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars that are both delicious and satisfying. Whether you make them for yourself, your family, or to share at a gathering, these bars are bound to be a hit! Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures, and appreciate the convenience of a wholesome snack right at your fingertips.

Print