Viral Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

These irresistible Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars became a viral sensation on Instagram landing at almost 15M views! And for good reason. These are chocolatey, peanut buttery, and hard to eat just one.

Recipe slightly adapted by Jess at Choosing Chia

What You’ll Love About Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars:

One of my favorite go-to snacks I have every afternoon is a chocolate peanut butter protein bar. It kind of feels like I’m eating a candy bar only healthier and helps keep me tide over until dinner.

I also like to make these No-Bake Protein Bars to have on hand when I need a pick-me-up.

When I came across this recipe on Instagram for Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars it hooked me. While these bars do need to be baked, I appreciated the simple wholesome ingredients, and everything prepared in one bowl. Honestly, the hardest part was getting my parchment paper to fit properly in my pan, ha!

This recipe has all my favorite flavors- chocolate, peanut butter, and banana. And if you’re not a banana person the flavor is very subtle. It’s more rich with chocolate and peanut butter goodness. These bars are also sweetened with pure maple syrup so the only so called “bad” sugar would come from the chocolate chips, but who’s really looking anyway.

Simple Ingredients:

• Ripe bananas- This adds a boost of potassium and natural sweetness.
• Peanut butter- I use Adams natural creamy PB but use the brand you love.
• Pure maple syrup– Adds a rich, sweet flavor.
• Vanilla extract
• Baking powder
• Cinnamon– Just a touch to add some warmth.
• Salt
• Oats– I use rolled oats.
• Mini chocolate chips– The mini chips distribute better so each bite is super chocolaty.

Substitutions:

1. Banana– If you absolutely don’t want to use bananas, pure pumpkin puree or apple sauce is a great substitute.
2. Peanut butter– Crunchy peanut butter would also be a nice addition to add more texture.
3. Maple syrup– Honey or agave would work as a replacement for the maple syrup. NOTE: Agave is going to be sweeter so use less.
4. Oats– Gluten free and quick oats can be substituted for rolled oats.
5. Dairy-free– To make this completely dairy free use your favorite df baking chips.

Just Three Easy Steps:

See full instructions in recipe card below.

Step One. Preheat oven to 350℉. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Step Two. In a medium bowl mash bananas until smooth. Stir in peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Once combined add in oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and chocolate chips.

Step Three. Spread this mixture evenly in prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until set and golden brown around the edges. Allow to cool for at least 20-minutes before slicing into squares.

Recipe Tip:

Common Questions:

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy:

• Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins
• Hearty Oat Pancakes
• Peanut Butter Protein Treats
• Apple Oatmeal Scotchies

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

These irresistible Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars became a viral sensation on Instagram landing at almost 15M views! And for good reason. These are chocolatey, peanut buttery, and hard to eat just one.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Rest time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 16 Bars

Calories: 128kcal

Equipment

• 1 8×8 inch baking dish
• 1 medium size mixing bowl

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter I use Adams natural
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats see notes for other options
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips plus more for the top

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350℉. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper leaving a little bit of paper to hang over two sides.

• In a medium bowl mash bananas until smooth. The riper the banana the easier this will be. Stir in peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Once combined add in oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and chocolate chips.
• Spread this mixture evenly in prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until set and golden brown around the edges. Allow to cool for at least 20-minutes before slicing into squares.

Notes

Substitutions- 

 

1. 1. Banana– If you absolutely don’t want to use bananas, pure pumpkin puree or apple sauce is a great substitute.

1. 1. Peanut butter– Crunchy peanut butter would also be a nice addition to add more texture.

1. 1. Maple syrup– Honey or agave would work as a replacement for the maple syrup. NOTE: Agave is going to be sweeter so use less.

1. 1. Oats– Gluten free and quick oats can be substituted for rolled oats.

1. 1. Dairy-free– To make this completely dairy free use your favorite df baking chips.

 

Tip- 

 

To prevent the bars from breaking apart when you slice them, spray a sharp knife with non-stick spray on both sides, or run a knife under hot water every couple slices.

 

Common Questions- 

 

Are these considered healthy bars?

Yes! While these do have a higher fat content, these bars have a nice amount of protein from the oats and peanut butter. Bananas offer potassium, and other than the chocolate chips these are made without refined sugars thanks to the maple syrup.

How long do these last after baked?

Because there is no eggs or milk these bars will last several days in a sealed container at room temperature, and for at least 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes! Freeze in a sealed freezer safe container in a single layer for up to 2 months.

 

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be understood as an estimate rather than a guarantee. The Menu Maid makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

Nutrition

Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 88mg | Potassium: 142mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg

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