Peanut Butter Banana Bars
These indulgent peanut butter banana bars combine creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, chocolate chips, and peanuts for a rich, sweet treat. Perfect for snacking or dessert, their moist texture and crunchy toppings make them a crowd-pleaser for all ages and occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the peanut butter, mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, and eggs with an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Sift together the flour and baking powder.
- Add the flour mixture to the peanut butter-banana mixture.
- Mix on low speed just until blended.
- Stir in the peanuts and chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter into a greased 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 30 minutes.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use natural peanut butter, and consider substituting almond butter for a different flavor. If you want to reduce sugar, try using mashed dates or applesauce. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness. If you don't have lightly salted peanuts, unsalted will work, and you can add a pinch of salt to maintain flavor balance.
Serving Suggestions
These Peanut Butter Banana Bars are delicious on their own but can be elevated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for a satisfying snack. For a unique twist, try serving them alongside a Cantaloupe Sundae for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy them warm, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter Banana Bars contains roughly 710 calories, with 17g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the flour for a gluten-free option?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture of gluten. The bars should still turn out deliciously, but keep an eye on baking time as it may vary slightly.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
For a vegan option, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of silken tofu blended until smooth. Alternatively, a flaxseed egg made by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water can also work well in this recipe.
How can I make these bars more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can increase the amount of chocolate chips to a full cup or even add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the flour mixture. For a double chocolate experience, consider swirling in melted chocolate before baking for a rich, fudgy texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).