Easy Baked Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe for Busy Mornings: Looking for a healthy, gluten-free snack that’s easy to make? These moist and chewy peanut butter oatmeal bars are just what you need! Made with whole rolled oats, oat flour, and naturally sweetened with mashed banana and maple syrup, they’re perfect for breakfast or a quick on-the-go snack.
Easy Baked Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe for Busy Mornings
Despite being dairy-free and gluten-free, these bars are dense, moist, and packed with peanut butter flavor. They have a soft, chewy texture—almost like a breakfast monkey bar (but one you won’t feel guilty about eating in the morning!).
If you’re making these for kids or prefer a less sweet version, you can easily skip the maple syrup. Want to boost the nutrition? Add chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp seeds for extra fiber and protein. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- 1 egg
Dry Ingredients:
- 1½ cups rolled oats
- ½ cup oat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp seeds (for extra nutrients)
- ¼ cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts (for added crunch)
How to Make Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with oil or butter.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, almond milk, peanut butter, maple syrup, and egg until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the rolled oats, oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until fully incorporated. If you’re adding seeds or chocolate chips, mix them in now.
Step 4: Bake the Oatmeal Bars
Transfer the batter to the greased baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool & Cut
Let the bars cool in the pan until the edges start pulling away. Once cooled, cut into 9 to 16 squares, depending on your preferred size.
How to Store Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for easy grab-and-go snacks.
- Freezer: Freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before eating.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter the bars will be. If your banana isn’t ripe enough, mash it well and let it sit for a few minutes before mixing.
- Make it Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
- For Extra Chewiness: Let the batter sit for 5 minutes before baking. This helps the oats absorb moisture.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bar, skip the maple syrup. If you like it sweeter, add an extra tablespoon.
- Boost the Protein: Add a scoop of vanilla or peanut butter protein powder to the mix for a protein-packed snack.
- Customize with Add-Ins: Try chopped nuts, dried fruit, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top.
These gluten-free peanut butter oatmeal bars are the perfect balance of healthy and delicious. Whether you need a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a post-workout bite, these bars are an easy and nutritious option.
They’re soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened, making them great for both kids and adults. Plus, they store well, so you can make a batch and enjoy them all week. Try them today and enjoy a wholesome treat anytime!
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make these bars without peanut butter?
Yes! You can substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Q2: How do I make these bars vegan?
Simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).
Q3: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer. Rolled oats give the bars a heartier texture.
Q4: How do I store these bars for long-term use?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.