Made with pantry staples, these one bowl peanut butter, banana, oatmeal bars are full of whole grains and healthy fat goodness. It’s a simple meal prep snack to kick the 3pm energy slump all week long.
I know meal prepping your snacks might sound a little boring and unnecessary, but here me out: snacks can be a powerful tool for upping your nutrition!
That’s right, snacking isn’t a bad habit- it can actually be incredibly useful in maintaining stable energy levels, adding in extra nutrients, and preventing you from arriving at the next meal STARVING and eating past satiation. The real thing to focus on isn’t snacking itself, but what snacks you choose!
Listen, I know it can be easy to reach for packaged snack foods. They are easy, convenient, and tasty- aka the criteria for a go-to snack. But when I’m focusing on snacks as a nutrition tool, I also like to make sure my snacks are balanced and satiating too, so they actually keep me full until the next meal.
Meal prepping healthy snack options like these peanut butter, banana oatmeal bars has been a lifesaver. Not only are they ready in only 30 minutes, but they are made with just 5 wholesome ingredients that are packed with fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Finally, everything goes to the fridge, where the bars firm up and all the flavors combine.
These oatmeal bars are a mix between a granola bar, baked oatmeal and banana bread, making them an amazing snack or breakfast option. You can also whip these up in one pan, meaning less dishes and less mess.
It’s one of the easiest recipes for a quick and healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert. This sweet treat couldn’t be easier to make, and I love that they are no bake, so it’s easy for the kids to join in. No-bake recipes are a lifesaver when you’re craving a nutritious and delicious snack without spending hours in the kitchen.
These delicious bars are the perfect combination of chewy, sweet, and wholesome. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they require minimal effort and deliver maximum flavor. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or need a quick snack, these bars are an excellent choice.
Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 banana, ripe, mashed
- 1/2 cup peanut (or any other nut or seed) butter
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, (milk, white, semi-sweet dark or a mix)
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Line a 8 x 8-inch baking pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.Mash the bananas with a fork, then just stir in the rest of the ingredients., then spread the batter into the lined pan. Place in fridge while you make the frosting
Peanut Butter Frosting
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 20 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.Add peanut butter and stir until smooth and well combined.Pour this mixture over the bars and smooth into an even layer using a spatula or back of a spoon.Chill in the fridge then to serve cut into 12 bars or more smaller squares. Will keep in fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
