These High‑Protein Peanut Butter‑Banana Oatmeal Bars are your new go-to for a wholesome, grab-and-go breakfast or snack that checks all the boxes—easy to make, naturally sweetened, packed with protein, and totally kid-friendly.
Made with just one bowl and no refined sugar, they’re soft, chewy, and loaded with comforting flavors of banana, peanut butter, and warm oats.
Think banana bread meets energy bar—but better. Whether you’re looking for a quick morning option, post-workout fuel, or a school-safe snack, these bars are a nourishing choice you’ll feel great about serving and eating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars are a flavor-lover’s dream. Creamy peanut butter and naturally sweet banana come together to create a soft, chewy texture with just the right amount of richness. A touch of vanilla and cinnamon adds cozy bakery vibes, while oats give them heartiness and structure.
From a nutrition standpoint, they’re incredibly balanced. You get protein from Greek yogurt (or a dairy-free alternative), healthy fats from peanut butter, and fiber from oats and banana—all essential for steady energy.
Add in some protein powder, and these bars can keep you full between meals or power you through a busy day. Best of all, they’re so easy to make. Just stir everything together, press into a pan, and bake.
No mixer required, no complicated steps, and they store beautifully. Make a batch on Sunday, and you’ve got breakfast or snack bars ready to go all week long!
What You’ll Need
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free protein yogurt)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, to taste)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional mix-ins: ¼ cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or chia seeds
Pro Tips
- Use very ripe bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and softer your bars will be.
- Don’t overmix – Stir until just combined to keep the bars tender.
- Let them cool completely – They firm up as they cool, making them easier to cut.
- Add texture – Mix in nuts, seeds, or mini chocolate chips for extra crunch and flavor.
- Double the batch – These freeze wonderfully, so make a second pan for later!
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
- Knife for slicing
Substitutions and Variations
- Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Egg-free: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
- Dairy-free: Use a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- Protein boost: Add extra protein powder and reduce the oats slightly.
- Mix-ins: Try dried cranberries, raisins, or shredded coconut for variety.
Make-Ahead Tips
These bars are perfect for meal prep! Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
To freeze, separate layers with parchment paper. Reheat in the microwave or let thaw overnight in the fridge. They’re just as delicious chilled as they are warm!
How to Make High‑Protein Peanut Butter‑Banana Oatmeal Bars
1. Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
2. Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in the peanut butter, Greek yogurt, egg, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (if using) until smooth and well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
Add oats, protein powder, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined. Fold in any optional mix-ins.
4. Pour Into Pan
Line your 8×8 baking pan with parchment (optional) and spread the batter evenly into the pan.
5. Bake and Cool
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–26 minutes or until golden and set. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Leftovers and Storage
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’re perfect cold or lightly warmed.
For longer storage, freeze bars in a single layer or with parchment between each bar. Defrost overnight in the fridge or warm for 20–30 seconds in the microwave.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I make these without protein powder?
Yes! Just replace it with an equal amount of oats or almond flour.
2. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer. Rolled oats provide the best structure.
3. Are these bars sweet enough without maple syrup?
If your bananas are ripe, they’re sweet enough! Maple syrup is totally optional.
4. Can I make these into muffins?
Absolutely—just portion the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 18–22 minutes.
5. Can kids eat these?
Yes! They’re naturally sweetened, full of good-for-you ingredients, and perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
Wholesome, Grab-and-Go Goodness
These High‑Protein Peanut Butter‑Banana Oatmeal Bars are simple, satisfying, and endlessly useful. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, pack them in a lunchbox, or fuel up after the gym, they deliver big flavor and real nourishment in every bite.
Bake a batch, enjoy the smell of banana bread in your kitchen, and give yourself a little something to look forward to every day. If you try them, I’d love to hear how they turn out—leave a comment and let’s swap mix-in ideas!