Are you looking for a snack that combines the nutty goodness of peanut butter with the sweet flavor of bananas? Look no further than peanut butter banana bars! These delicious bars are easy to make and perfect for a quick snack or a sweet treat. Plus, with two different recipes to choose from, you can try out both and find your favorite. Let’s get started!
Recipe 1: Peanut Butter Banana Bars with Oat Flour
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the oat flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the peanut butter, mashed bananas, and honey. Mix well.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bars in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
Each bar contains approximately:
- Calories: 182
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
Cooking Time:
25-30 minutes
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- 8×8 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
Serving Suggestions:
These peanut butter banana bars are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra special treat.
Variations:
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have oat flour, you can use regular flour instead. You can also substitute the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
Storage:
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips:
- Make sure your bananas are ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- If you don’t have peanut butter, you can use almond butter or another nut butter instead.
- For a gluten-free version, make sure your oat flour is certified gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I freeze these bars? Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Recipe 2: Peanut Butter Banana Bars with Almond Flour
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the almond flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the peanut butter, mashed bananas, and maple syrup. Mix well.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bars in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
Each bar contains approximately:
- Calories: 215
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
Cooking Time:
25-30 minutes
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- 8×8 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
Serving Suggestions:
These peanut butter banana bars are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Variations:
If you want to mix things up, try adding some cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spicy flavor.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have almond flour, you can use another type of nut flour or regular flour. You can also substitute the maple syrup for honey or agave nectar.
Storage:
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips:
- Make sure your bananas are fully mashed for a smooth batter.
- If you want a crunchier texture, add some chopped nuts or seeds to the batter.
- For a vegan version, use a plant-based nut butter and sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Personal Thoughts and Summary
Both of these peanut butter banana bar recipes are delicious and easy to make. Whether you prefer the nuttiness of oat flour or the richness of almond flour, you can’t go wrong with these sweet and satisfying bars. I love how versatile they are – you can add in your favorite nuts, seeds, or spices for a personalized twist. Plus, they make a great snack or dessert that won’t leave you feeling guilty. Give them a try and see for yourself!