Peanut Butter Banana Bars

Peanut butter banana bars are soft, moist, and packed with comforting flavor. Ripe bananas add natural sweetness while creamy peanut butter brings richness and depth, creating a perfectly balanced treat that works for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.

These bars come together quickly with simple ingredients and bake into a tender, sliceable texture that’s easy to serve and share. They’re family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and ideal for using up overripe bananas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Basic pantry staples combine to create these soft and flavorful bars.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Bars

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line or lightly grease a square baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Mix in the mashed bananas until well combined.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until incorporated.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
8. Bake until the bars are set and lightly golden on top.
9. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Tips, Variations & Storage

• Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor.
• Stir in chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for extra texture.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter?
Creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter works best for consistent texture, but natural peanut butter can be used if well stirred.

How do I know when the bars are done?
The center should be set and a toothpick inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

Do these need to be refrigerated?
They can be stored at room temperature for a few days, but refrigeration will extend freshness slightly.

Peanut Butter Banana Bars

Soft and naturally sweet peanut butter banana bars made with wholesome ingredients—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Servings:12 bars

Calories:180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 medium ripe bananas mashed
• ½ cup natural peanut butter
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup chocolate chips optional

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
3. Add the peanut butter, honey, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Stir in the oats, baking soda, and salt until evenly incorporated.
5. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars also freeze well for quick grab-and-go snacks.