If you are craving a treat that feels like a warm hug in dessert form, you have to try this delightful Banana Bread Bars with Chocolate Chips and Peanut Butter Recipe. These bars bring together the natural sweetness of bananas, gooey pockets of chocolate, and the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter into one irresistible bite. Perfectly soft, chewy, and wonderfully wholesome, these bars are the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a family favorite and a go-to snack anytime you want something comforting with a wholesome twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There are two black and white yogurt containers with

This recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. From ripe bananas for natural moisture and sweetness to oats that add delightful chewiness, every element contributes to the magic of these bars.

2 large ripe bananas: The sweeter and softer, the better for natural sweetness and moisture.
2 eggs: Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together beautifully.
¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey: Adds a subtle extra layer of natural sweetness.
½ cup plain Greek yogurt: Provides creaminess and a subtle tang to enhance flavor.
⅓ cup creamy all natural peanut butter: Adds rich, nutty depth and a luscious texture.
1 cup rolled oats: Brings a hearty chewiness and wholesome fiber.
½ cup oat flour: Keeps the bars tender and gluten-free if using gluten-free oats.
1 tsp baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for a light texture.
⅔ cup dark chocolate chips: Melts into gooey pockets for bursts of chocolatey goodness.

How to Make Banana Bread Bars with Chocolate Chips and Peanut Butter Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper. This little prep step ensures your bars will come out cleanly and saves you from sticky cleanup later.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the eggs, pure maple syrup (or honey), Greek yogurt, and creamy peanut butter. Stir everything until well combined into a luscious, thick batter that smells heavenly.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, sprinkle in your rolled oats, oat flour, and baking soda. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed, creating that perfect oat-infused texture.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Now for the fun part – gently fold in those generous dark chocolate chips. They will create melty, chocolatey pockets in every bar bite that take these bars from good to unforgettable.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out via the parchment paper. This cooling step helps them set perfectly, so you get neat, clean slices and a satisfying bite every time.

How to Serve Banana Bread Bars with Chocolate Chips and Peanut Butter Recipe

A close-up top view of a single layer of golden-brown baked square bar with a rough texture, studded with many shiny dark chocolate chips scattered unevenly across the surface. The bar sits inside a silver rectangular baking pan lined with light brown parchment paper, all resting on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these bars are delicious on their own, consider sprinkling a little flaky sea salt on top right after baking to amplify the peanut butter and chocolate flavors. A light drizzle of melted peanut butter or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add a lovely finishing touch for a casual yet refined treat.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream for an easy dessert upgrade. For breakfast or brunch, enjoy them alongside fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a berry compote, which adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into small bite-sized squares and serving them on a platter as part of a snack board with nuts, dried fruit, and cheese for an unexpected sweet-savory combo. You can also stack them between layers of peanut butter and banana slices for a tasty layered parfait-like experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and fresh, perfect for quick snacks or a grab-and-go breakfast.

Freezing

Want to make these bars in advance? Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. They thaw quickly and retain their soft texture beautifully.

Reheating

For that freshly baked feel, warm your banana bread bars in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This will bring out the gooey chocolate and melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter all over again.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?

Absolutely! You can replace oat flour with all-purpose flour for a slightly different texture. Just keep in mind that oat flour adds a lovely nuttiness and extra fiber, so the flavor might be a little less wholesome but still delicious.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They can be if you use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour. Be sure to check your ingredients to keep this Banana Bread Bars with Chocolate Chips and Peanut Butter Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I substitute the peanut butter with another nut butter?

Definitely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work beautifully and provide a unique twist on flavor while maintaining that rich, creamy texture.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Really ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are the best choice because they’re sweetest and give the bars natural moisture and flavor. If your bananas are still a bit green, they may not produce the same rich taste.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut can be stirred in along with the chocolate chips to add extra texture and flavor. Just be mindful of the total volume so the bars bake evenly.

Final Thoughts

These Banana Bread Bars with Chocolate Chips and Peanut Butter Recipe have truly become one of my absolute favorites to make and share. They are utterly satisfying, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re treating yourself after a busy day or packing snacks for the week, I promise these bars deliver flavor and comfort in every bite. Give them a try—you’re going to love how simple, delicious, and versatile they are!