4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars – No Sugar Added

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Looking for something wholesome, easy, and full of heartwarming flavor? These 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars are just what your kitchen needs! 🍌🥜

This simple, traditional recipe is proof that good food doesn’t need fancy ingredients. It’s inspired by those comforting farmhouse snacks—made from pantry staples, baked till golden, and shared with love. With only ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, hearty oats, and a touch of vanilla, you’ll have a treat that’s naturally sweet, moist, and nourishing—no sugar needed!

Back in the day, recipes like this were born out of resourcefulness. Families would use overripe bananas and basic ingredients to make something filling yet wholesome for children returning from the fields or for an afternoon nibble with tea. This version carries that same rustic charm, blending the familiar aroma of roasted peanuts with the cozy sweetness of bananas.

Perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or an energy-boosting snack, these bars are soft, chewy, and pure comfort in every bite. Let’s bring that timeless, homemade goodness back to your table. ❤️


Ingredients

  • 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed 🍌
  • ½ cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened, smooth or chunky)
  • 1 ½ cups rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips for variation.)


Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal.
  2. Mash the Bananas:
    In a medium mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth and creamy. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bars will naturally be. 🍌
  3. Add the Peanut Butter and Vanilla:
    Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. The peanut butter adds richness and holds everything together beautifully.
  4. Mix in the Oats:
    Add the rolled oats and stir until evenly coated. The batter will be thick but easy to spread.
  5. Spread and Bake:
    Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press it down evenly with a spatula. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the top feels set.
  6. Cool and Slice:
    Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them hold their shape and stay chewy.
  7. Serve and Store:
    Cut into squares or rectangles. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully!

Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🔥 Baking Time: 25 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: 160 | 🍽️ Servings: 9

These bars are a treasure trove of natural nutrition—full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Bananas bring natural sweetness and potassium, while oats add heart-healthy grains and a pleasant chew. Peanut butter enriches them with plant protein and satisfying creaminess.

  • Calories: 160
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars (natural): 6g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Sodium: 60mg

They’re a wonderful alternative to processed snacks—perfect for children, athletes, or anyone who appreciates honest, natural food made with care.


#healthyrecipes #peanutbutterlove #bananabars #naturalsweetness #traditionalbaking #wholesomesnack #sugarfreegoodness

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️

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