Looking for a quick, healthy snack that's delicious, easy to make, and perfect for the whole family? Say hello to Chunky Monkey Oatmeal Bars! These banana-packed, chocolate-studded, and peanut butter-infused bars are a flavor-packed treat that feels indulgent, but they’re actually loaded with ingredients you can feel good about. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or dessert, these bars combine the nostalgic flavors of Chunky Monkey with wholesome oats for a satisfying bite every time.
Here’s how to make this simple and seriously scrumptious treat at home!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need a handful of simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/3 cup peanut butter (natural works best)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for crunch)
Optional Add-Ins
Feel free to get creative! Add shredded coconut, flaxseeds, or dried fruit to customize the bars to your taste.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Peel the bananas and mash them in a large mixing bowl until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be!
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Dump in the rolled oats, baking powder, and salt. Mix until the oats are fully coated, forming a thick batter. Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts last to ensure even distribution.
Step 5: Press Into the Pan
Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spatula or your hands to press it down evenly into all the corners.
Step 6: Bake
Pop it into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center feels firm to the touch.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice them into squares or rectangles.
Tips for Customization
- Nut Butter Swap: Not a peanut butter fan or have an allergy? Almond butter or sunflower seed butter are excellent substitutes.
- Sweetness Level: If your bananas are extra ripe, you can skip the honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
- Add Some Spice: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into your batter for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Chunky Monkey Oatmeal Bars are wonderfully versatile. Have them as a grab-and-go breakfast paired with a cup of coffee, or toss one into a lunchbox for an energizing midday snack. They also make a healthy dessert, especially when lightly warmed and served with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Why You’ll Love These Bars
- Healthy Snack: Packed with fiber-rich oats, potassium-loaded bananas, and healthy fats from peanut butter and nuts, these bars are as nourishing as they are satisfying.
- Minimal Effort: This easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weekdays.
- Naturally Sweetened: With bananas and honey as the main sweeteners, they’re free of refined sugars.
These Chunky Monkey Oatmeal Bars are proof that healthy snacks don’t need to be boring or bland. Whip up a batch today and enjoy a treat that’s both wholesome and utterly irresistible!
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