By Karyl Laeving. Updated December 20, 2025. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 214 votes.
Soft, nourishing, and naturally sweet, these Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Bars (Healthy & Soft) are the ultimate make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings. Made with ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and hearty oats, they bake into tender bars that feel comforting but fuel you well. If you are searching for a healthy peanut butter banana breakfast bar that actually stays soft, this is the one to bookmark.
Table of Contents
Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Bars (Healthy & Soft)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, nourishing, and naturally sweet Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Bars made with ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and hearty oats. These healthy, soft-baked bars are ideal for meal prep breakfasts, lunchbox snacks, and freezer-friendly grab-and-go fuel.
Ingredients
3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups / 360 g)
1 cup natural creamy peanut butter (256 g)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup maple syrup (60 ml) or honey (84 g)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
2 cups rolled oats (180 g)
1 teaspoon baking powder (4 g)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2 g)
1/4 teaspoon fine salt (1.5 g)
Optional add-ins:
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (60 g)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (30 g)
2 tablespoons chia seeds or ground flax (20 g)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth with a few small lumps.
3. Whisk in the peanut butter, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla until glossy and well combined.
4. Add the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until no dry pockets remain.
5. Fold in any optional add-ins, if using.
6. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Tap the pan once or twice on the counter to level.
7. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden and the center feels softly firm when pressed.
8. Cool completely in the pan, then lift out using parchment and slice into 9 or 12 bars for softer portions.
9. Store airtight. For extra-soft bars, refrigerate and warm 10 to 15 seconds before eating.
Notes
Bananas: Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the sweetest flavor and softest texture.
Peanut butter: Natural, runny peanut butter works best. If yours is very thick, warm it for 10 seconds to loosen before mixing.
Do not overbake: Pull the pan when the center is set but still tender. Overbaking is the main reason bars turn dry.
Egg-free option: Replace each egg with 1 tablespoon ground flax + 2.5 tablespoons water. Rest 5 minutes to gel before using.
Nut-free option: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months. Wrap bars individually for quick grab-and-go.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg
About This Recipe
What It Is
Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Bars are baked oat-based bars made with mashed bananas and peanut butter as the primary flavor and binding agents. They are soft-baked, not crunchy, and designed to be eaten for breakfast, snacks, or light meals.
Why It Works
Bananas provide moisture and natural sweetness, while peanut butter adds healthy fats and structure. Rolled oats absorb liquid slowly, which keeps the bars tender even after chilling. Baking at a moderate temperature prevents drying and preserves that soft, cake-like interior.
When to Make It
These healthy peanut butter banana breakfast bars are perfect for weekly meal prep, school mornings, post-workout snacks, road trips, and freezer-friendly breakfasts.
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Bars
- Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas
- Soft and moist texture that stays tender for days
- Made with pantry staples
- Kid-approved and lunchbox-friendly
- Easy to customize with mix-ins
Key Ingredients and Notes
Bananas
Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. The riper they are, the sweeter and softer the bars will be. Bananas act as both sweetener and moisture provider.
Peanut Butter
Natural creamy peanut butter works best. It should be runny and well-stirred. Avoid heavily sweetened or hydrogenated spreads, as they can dry out the bars. Peanut butter contributes protein, healthy fats, and richness. For ingredient science, Healthline has a helpful breakdown on peanut butter nutrition and benefits.
Rolled Oats
Old-fashioned rolled oats give structure while keeping the bars soft. Quick oats can be used but result in a slightly denser texture. Avoid steel-cut oats.
Eggs
Eggs bind the mixture and help the bars set without becoming dry. For an egg-free option, flax eggs work well.
Maple Syrup or Honey
A small amount enhances sweetness without overpowering the banana flavor. You can reduce it if your bananas are very ripe.
Cinnamon and Vanilla
These warm flavors deepen the banana-peanut butter combination and make the bars taste bakery-worthy.
Baking Powder
Just enough to lift the bars slightly while keeping them soft rather than fluffy.
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F or 175°C. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan or 20×20 cm pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash 3 large ripe bananas until mostly smooth.
- Whisk in 1 cup peanut butter or 256 g, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup maple syrup or 60 ml, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Add 2 cups rolled oats or 180 g, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir until fully combined.
- Fold in optional add-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts if desired.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are set and the center feels softly firm when pressed.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Visual cue: the top should look matte and lightly golden, not glossy or cracked.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and softness
- Stir peanut butter thoroughly before measuring
- Do not overbake or the bars will dry out
- Let the bars cool fully before cutting for clean slices
- Store tightly sealed to preserve moisture
- For extra soft bars, slightly underbake by one to two minutes
- Line the pan with parchment for easy removal
Variations and Substitutions
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter
- Higher Protein: Add 2 tablespoons collagen peptides or a small scoop of vanilla protein powder
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- Vegan: Use flax eggs and maple syrup
- Spiced: Add nutmeg or pumpkin spice for fall flavor
If you love make-ahead breakfast ideas, you may also enjoy Banana Protein Muffins (Soft, High Protein & Easy) or Chocolate Chip Baked Oats (Cake-Like Breakfast!), both popular in the Trending Now category on Flavor & Recipes.
Serving and Storage
Serving
Serve these peanut butter banana breakfast bars slightly warm, at room temperature, or chilled. They pair beautifully with fruit, yogurt, or coffee. For a balanced breakfast, enjoy alongside a Strawberry Yogurt Parfait (High Protein Breakfast).
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months
Reheating
Microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are peanut butter banana breakfast bars healthy?
Yes. These bars are made with whole ingredients like oats, bananas, and peanut butter. They contain fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making them a balanced breakfast option.
Can I make these bars without eggs?
Absolutely. Use flax eggs by mixing 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg and let it gel before adding.
Why are my bars dry?
Dry bars usually mean overbaking or not enough banana. Remove them when the center is just set and always measure bananas generously.
Can I use quick oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly denser. Rolled oats are recommended for the softest peanut butter banana breakfast bars.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes. Wrap each bar individually and freeze for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Bars (Healthy & Soft) are everything a homemade breakfast should be. Soft, nourishing, and deeply comforting, they prove that healthy breakfasts can still feel indulgent. If you enjoy simple, wholesome recipes like Healthy Banana Bread (Moist, One Bowl Recipe) or Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Bars, this one deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.
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