Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars Recipe

Overhead shot of Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars cut and ready for sharing.

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars Recipe

Naturally sweetened and grab n' go friendly, Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars double as breakfast or snack. This recipe makes a BIG batch, so make once, eat all week or freeze half because they're freezer friendly!

NOTE: If you find your bars are a bit crumbly, an overnight rest in the fridge and/or storing them in the fridge will firm the bars up.

**Start with room temperature ingredients. This makes it easier to mix and incorporate all the ingredients. This recipe is vegan and easily gluten free.

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword Healthy Breakfast Bars

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Servings Pieces

Calories 381kcal

Author Traci York

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

3 1/2 C (435g) Thick Rolled or Old Fashioned Oats not quick or instant, gluten free if needed
1 C (100g) Walnuts chopped
1 C (90g) Shredded Unsweetened Coconut
1/2 C (80g) Hulled Sunflower Seeds raw, unsalted
2/3 C (140g) Mini Chocolate Chips
1 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
2 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Fine Sea Salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 1/4 C (440g) Mashed Bananas about 4 medium bananas
1 2/3 C (335g) Natural Peanut Butter , unsalted, creamy or crunchy - about one small jar, room temperature
1 C (306g) Maple Syrup room temperature
1/4 C (50g) Coconut Oil unrefined, melted and warm to the touch
1/4 C (55g) Water
2 tsp Vanilla Extract

Instructions

In 9"x9" baking pan (22cm X 22cm) - or see the link in notes to use a different size pan - use coconut oil to oil the pan making sure the corners are well covered. Use parchment paper to line the pan leaving handles hanging over the edge to lift the 'cake' out of the pan easily after baking. Set aside. Set oven rack in center and preheat oven to 350F (177C).
For the dry ingredients: Reserve a few tablespoons of oats and chocolate chips for sprinkling on top, if desired. In a large mixing bowl, mix the oats, walnuts, coconut, sunflower seeds, chocolate chips, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
For the wet ingredients: Make sure to start with room temperature ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, mash the bananas, then add the peanut butter, syrup, oil, water and extract. Use the masher to mix the ingredients, then whisk vigorously until all the wet ingredients come together and are smooth(ish).
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a sturdy wooden spoon and a strong arm, mix the ingredients throughly so that all the dry ingredients are coated in the wet (undermining can cause a crumbly set). Spoon into the prepared pan, spread the mixture evenly and press firmly into the pan, making sure to push the batter into the corners. Sprinkle the reserved oats and chocolate chips on top.
Bake the 'cake' for 30-35 minutes, using a toothpick to check for doneness starting at 30 minutes. The 'cake' is done when the top is golden and the center slightly springs back when gently pressed. The toothpick will come out clean or with very few crumbs, yet with some chocolate holding on to it.
Cool completely (very important), then use the parchment as handles to lift the 'cake' out of the pan. (See notes below on cutting). The pieces will be slightly crumbly and very moist.
Store at room temperature for up to five days, covered. These freeze beautifully too for up to two weeks.
NOTE: If you find your bars are a bit crumbly, an overnight rest in the fridge will firm the bars up a bit. These bars may also be stored in the fridge, covered for up to six days.

Notes

*Cutting the Bars: Since this recipe is somewhat crumbly when cutting, I've found they're easier to cut when lifted from the pan whole (although I cut them in the pan when in a hurry - it is messier). Use a serrated bread knife to gently saw through the top crust, then swiftly press to cut all the way down, then slide the knife out while gently holding the rows together. Repeat as needed. Several readers commented (see below) that they refrigerated the bars after they cooled which resulted in a less crumbly bar.

This recipe is versatile! Feel free to play with the ingredients and use what you have on hand. No chocolate? Throw in some diced, dried fruit. Not a fan of walnuts? Toss in some chopped pecans. Have a sensitivity or allergy to peanuts? Give almond butter a go.

All Recipes has a pan conversion chart here if you need. Please note that I've only made this recipe in a 9"x9" pan.

Recipe inspired by Vitamix Create.

Nutrition