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- 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas - 1/2 cup ground flaxseed - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Optional ingredients: mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts To make peanut butter oatmeal bars, gather these tasty ingredients. Rolled oats form the base. They provide fiber and energy. Creamy peanut butter adds rich flavor and protein. Honey or maple syrup gives sweetness. Mashed ripe bananas add moisture and natural sweetness. Ground flaxseed boosts nutrition and acts as a binder. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor. A pinch of salt brings out all the other flavors. You can also use optional ingredients like mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts. These add fun texture and flavor. Enjoy mixing and matching these elements to make the bars truly yours! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab an 8x8-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, making sure some paper hangs over the edges. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. In a large bowl, add 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of ground flaxseed, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Use a spoon to mix these dry ingredients well. Make sure they are evenly combined for a great texture. Take a microwave-safe bowl and add 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup. Heat this in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds. Once warm, stir in 1/2 cup of mashed ripe bananas and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until it is smooth and creamy. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir them together until fully blended. If you want to add extra flavor, fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of chopped nuts. This adds a nice crunch and sweetness. Now, transfer the mixture into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down evenly. Make sure it is compact and flat, so it bakes evenly. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for golden edges and a firm center. Once done, take it out and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out and move them to a cutting board. Let them cool completely before slicing into bars. - Suggested cool-down method: For a quick cool down, place the bars in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This will help them set better and make slicing easier. You can swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter. This change still keeps the nutty flavor. If you want a nut-free option, try sunflower seed butter. Each choice brings its own taste and texture. To store leftover bars, first let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge. They can last for two weeks in there. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just wrap them in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. To check if the bars are done, look for golden edges. The center should feel set and not jiggly. You can also insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. Avoid underbaking to keep the bars from being too soft. Pro Tips Storage Tip: Store your Nutty Bliss Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness. Banana Substitute: If you don't have ripe bananas, unsweetened applesauce can be used as a substitute for moisture and sweetness. Custom Add-ins: Feel free to customize your bars by adding dried fruits, seeds, or your favorite nut butter for a unique twist. Cooling Tip: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting to ensure they hold their shape when sliced. {{image_2}} You can change up your peanut butter oatmeal bars in fun ways. Try adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. They add sweetness and chewiness. You can also mix in seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for added crunch. If you prefer a nutty flavor, add chopped walnuts or almonds. For a chocolate twist, toss in dark chocolate chunks instead of chips. Personalizing your bars makes them special and keeps them interesting! While honey or maple syrup works great, you can use other sweeteners too. Agave syrup is a lovely choice if you want a milder taste. You can even try coconut sugar for a deeper flavor. If you like a low-carb option, consider using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Just remember to adjust the amount to fit the sweetness you like. Each sweetener brings its own unique taste to the bars. Spices and extracts can boost the flavor of your bars. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds warmth and comfort. If you want a zesty kick, try adding a bit of nutmeg. Vanilla extract makes everything taste richer. You can also explore almond extract for a nutty essence. For a tropical vibe, consider adding shredded coconut. These small changes can transform your peanut butter oatmeal bars into a delightful treat! To keep your peanut butter oatmeal bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture and keeps the bars from getting stale. If you have a lot of bars, you can layer them with parchment paper. This way, they won’t stick together. Freezing is a great way to save these bars for later. First, let them cool completely after baking. Then, cut them into individual pieces. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer bag or container. They stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. These bars last about one week at room temperature. Keep them in a cool, dry place. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. Just remember, the colder they are, the firmer they will get. Enjoy them at room temperature for the best flavor! Yes, you can make these bars vegan. Use maple syrup instead of honey. Choose a plant-based peanut butter. This way, you keep the bars tasty without any animal products. To make these bars gluten-free, choose certified gluten-free oats. Most oats are safe, but cross-contamination can happen. Always check the label to ensure they are gluten-free. If you need a banana substitute, try unsweetened applesauce. You can also use pureed dates or pumpkin. Each of these options adds moisture and helps bind the bars together. Yes, these bars are healthy snacks. They contain oats, peanut butter, and flaxseed. Here are some key benefits: - Oats: Provide fiber and help keep you full longer. - Peanut Butter: Offers protein and healthy fats. - Flaxseed: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. - Bananas: Add natural sweetness and potassium. These ingredients make a balanced snack that fuels your day. We covered a tasty recipe for peanut butter oatmeal bars and how to make them. You learned about the key ingredients, easy steps to bake, and helpful tips for storing and customizing. These bars are not just quick snacks; they are healthy too. With a few swaps, you can make them fit your needs. Enjoy making these bars and sharing them with others!

Nutty Bliss Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Delicious and healthy oatmeal bars made with peanut butter, oats, and optional chocolate chips and nuts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 1 medium banana)
  • 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds) (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to lift the bars out later.
  • In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground flaxseed, and salt. Mix until well combined.
  • In a separate microwave-safe bowl, add the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup). Heat in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until warm and easy to stir. Whisk in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry oats mixture and stir until fully combined. If desired, fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped nuts for added texture and richness.
  • Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it down evenly with a spatula or your hands to create a compact layer.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out and transfer to a cutting board to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes

Serve the bars on a wooden platter, optionally drizzling a little extra peanut butter on top for decoration. You can also package them in decorative paper for a great on-the-go snack option!
Keyword healthy snack, oatmeal bars, peanut butter