Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (or your favorite oil)
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup (can substitute honey)
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats (quick oats may be substituted for less texture)
- 1/2 cup mini dark chocolate chips (or your favorite)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Melt Peanut Butter and Coconut Oil: Place the peanut butter in a large microwave-safe bowl and heat for 20 to 30 seconds until melted. If your coconut oil is solid, add it in and heat together with the peanut butter until melted. If the coconut oil is already liquid, add it later with the bananas.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: To the melted peanut butter and coconut oil mixture, add the mashed bananas, maple syrup, egg, and baking powder. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Stir the rolled oats into the wet mixture, ensuring all oats are fully coated. Then gently fold in the mini dark chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bars are set and have a light golden-brown color.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into 20 bars and enjoy your delicious, healthy snack!
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, use crunchy peanut butter; creamy peanut butter results in a smoother bar.
- Quick oats can be substituted if you prefer a softer texture, but bars will have less chew.
- Maple syrup can be swapped with honey for a different natural sweetness.
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars are naturally gluten-free if using certified gluten-free oats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free