Peanut Butter Chocolatechip Banana Bars Recipe

Quick & Dreamy Peanut Butter Chocolatechip Banana Bars Recipe

Indulgent peanut butter chocolate chip banana bars combine the most irresistible flavors into one perfect treat.

Sweet bananas meld seamlessly with rich, creamy peanut butter and decadent chocolate chips for an unbeatable taste sensation.

Soft and moist, these bars offer a delightful balance of textures that dance across your palate.

Nutritious ingredients refine a simple dessert into a somewhat virtuous snack you can enjoy without guilt.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of comforting, familiar flavors that feel like a warm culinary hug.

The recipe strikes an elegant balance between wholesome and decadent, making it ideal for casual gatherings or quiet moments of personal indulgence.

Home bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward and forgiving recipe with ease.

Peanut Butter Banana Bars With Chocolate Chip Magic

  • Effortless Nutrient-Packed Delight: These bars combine bananas, peanut butter, and chocolate chips for a powerful nutritional punch, delivering energy and satisfying sweet cravings in one simple recipe.
  • Quick Comfort Treat: Requiring only basic ingredients and minimal preparation time, these bars are perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous snack cravings, ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
  • Customizable Flavor Adventure: Easily adaptable with potential mix-ins like nuts, seeds, or different chocolate varieties, these bars offer endless possibilities for personalizing your snack experience while maintaining a delicious core flavor profile.
  • Wholesome Guilt-Free Indulgence: Made with natural ingredients like oats and bananas, these bars provide a healthier alternative to traditional sugary treats, giving you a nutritious option that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.

What Goes Into Peanut Butter Banana Bars

Base Ingredients:
  • Bananas: Ripe and soft bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bars.
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter adds rich flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Chocolate Chips: Classic chocolate chips bring delightful sweetness and chocolate notes to the recipe.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Oats: Hearty rolled oats create a wholesome texture and provide nutritional value.
  • Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent that helps the bars rise and become light.
  • Salt: Small amount of salt enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth and warmth to the bar's flavor profile.

How to Make These Banana Bars Moist and Chewy

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab a loaf pan and either coat it with cooking spray or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Banana Base

Grab ripe bananas and mash them in a large mixing bowl until mostly smooth. Blend in:
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture looks completely combined and silky.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Add these ingredients to the banana mixture:
  • Rolled oats
  • Salt
  • Baking powder

Blend everything thoroughly until you have a consistent batter.

Step 4: Fold In Chocolate Goodness

Gently mix in about two-thirds of the chocolate chips into the batter. Save the remaining chips for topping.

Step 5: Transfer To Baking Pan

Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips across the top.

Step 6: Bake And Cool

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a knife into the center- it should come out clean. Remove and let the bars cool completely before slicing into 6-8 delicious servings.

Tips That Take Banana Bars to the Next Level

  • Mash Bananas Perfectly: Use overripe bananas with dark brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and easier mashing.
  • Mix Ingredients Smoothly: Ensure peanut butter and mashed bananas are thoroughly blended to create a consistent texture throughout the bars.
  • Prevent Dry Bars: Do not overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense and tough bars; mix just until ingredients are combined.
  • Chocolate Chip Distribution: Gently fold chocolate chips to avoid breaking them and ensure even spread in the batter.
  • Cooling Technique: Let bars cool completely in the pan to help them set and make cutting cleaner and easier.

How to Keep Banana Bars Fresh for Days

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the bars fresh and moist.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
  • Reheating: Warm refrigerated bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes until slightly heated through.

What Works Well With Peanut Butter Banana Bars

  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Latte: The smooth, rich vanilla coffee will complement the nutty peanut butter and sweet banana flavors, creating a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
  • Enjoy with Cold Milk: The classic cold milk pairing cuts through the dense, sweet bars and provides a refreshing contrast to the chocolate and peanut butter richness.
  • Serve alongside Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or strawberries will brighten the dessert's sweetness and add a fresh, light element to balance the bar's hearty texture.
  • Match with Cinnamon Chai Tea: The warm, spicy notes of chai will enhance the banana and chocolate chip flavors, offering a cozy and comforting drinking experience.

Banana Bar Variations for a New Bite Every Time

  • Nutty Chocolate Banana Crunch: Replace half the oats with chopped almonds or walnuts for added texture and rich, nutty flavor. Sprinkle extra nuts on top before baking for a delightful crunch.
  • Protein-Packed Power Bars: Mix in a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder to boost nutritional value. This variation transforms the bars into a perfect post-workout snack with extra protein punch.
  • Vegan Wellness Bars: Swap peanut butter with almond butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Add a tablespoon of chia seeds for extra nutrition and binding power in this plant-based version.
  • Tropical Chocolate Fusion: Incorporate shredded coconut and a dash of cinnamon into the mixture. Top with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a Caribbean-inspired flavor profile that elevates the classic recipe.
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Peanut Butter Chocolatechip Banana Bars Recipe

Peanut Butter Chocolatechip Banana Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Peanut butter chocolate chip banana bars deliver a perfect harmony of sweet and nutty flavors. Rich banana-infused bars packed with chocolate chips provide a delightful treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 bananas, super ripe
  • 1 ¼ cups instant or quick cooking oats
  • ½ cup chocolate chips

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup smooth, natural peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Seasoning Ingredients:

  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and preparing a loaf pan with a protective lining of parchment paper or a light grease coating.
  2. Transform ripe bananas into a smooth, creamy texture using vigorous mashing techniques in a spacious mixing bowl.
  3. Integrate peanut butter and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas, stirring until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
  4. Incorporate dry ingredients – oats, salt, and baking powder – into the banana blend, ensuring thorough and even distribution.
  5. Gently fold two-thirds of the chocolate chips into the developing batter, reserving the remaining portion for a decorative topping.
  6. Transfer the complete mixture into the prepared loaf pan, carefully leveling the surface with a spatula for an even bake.
  7. Elegantly scatter the remaining chocolate chips across the top of the batter, creating a visually appealing and flavor-enhanced surface.
  8. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until a inserted knife emerges clean and indicates complete cooking.
  9. Allow the baked creation to cool completely before slicing into 6-8 delectable bars, ensuring clean and precise cuts.

Notes

  • Swap ripe bananas for an ultra-moist, naturally sweet base that eliminates the need for added sugar.
  • Combine peanut butter and oats to create a protein-packed, gluten-friendly breakfast or snack bar that keeps you energized.
  • Mashing bananas completely smooth ensures a consistent texture and helps bind ingredients without extra eggs or flour.
  • Sprinkle chocolate chips both inside and on top for delightful bursts of chocolatey goodness in every single bite.
  • Cool bars completely before slicing to prevent crumbling and help them hold their shape perfectly.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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