When I found this recipe for a gluten-free Flourless Oats Banana Peanut Butter Energy Bars, I immediately wanted to try them. They were so simple to make plus they were sugarless, protein-rich, fibre-rich and nutrient-rich. What’s not to like about them then.
This month for the A to Z Challenge, we were to cook with an ingredient starting with the letter O. While I really wanted to make a special recipe with onions, I refrained because it was the holy month of Shravan. I then chose Oats as my ingredient and then chanced upon these Flourless Oats Banana Energy Bars that were just perfect for the theme.
What I loved about this recipe was that it can be very easily adjusted to suit every taste and preference.
- If you want softer bars, increase the amount of banana.
- If you want more gooey bars, increase the amount of peanut butter.
- If you want crisper bars, increase the amount of oats.
Tip: Do use ripe bananas to get the rich flavour and gooey texture.
Being energy bars, these delicious squares are also calorie-rich, so indulge with care.
Do try my recipes for Ragi Ambli | Ambali | Ragi Malt with Buttermilk and Poha with Moong Sprouts: High Protein Breakfast
Recipe for Flourless Oats Banana Energy Bars
Flourless Oats Banana Peanut Butter Energy Bars: Gluten-Free (With Sugarless Options)
Equipment
- Oven
- 9 X 4" Loaf Tin
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Rolled Oats
- 1 Cups Mashed Ripe Banana
- 1/2 Cups Peanut Butter
- 2-3 tbsp Chocolate Chips (Optional)
- 1 tbsp Molasses or Honey (Optional; See Notes)
Instructions
- The Preparation
- Pre-heat the oven to 180°C.
- Line a 9" x 4" loaf tin with a parchment paper.
- Making the Dough
- Mash the banana well to ensure there are no lumps.
- Mix the peanut butter and mashed banana well.
- Add the peanut butter-banana mix to oats.
- Add 1.5 tbsp chocolate chips and molasses or honey and mix well.
- Baking the Oats Banana Energy Bars
- Transfer the dough into the lined tin and use a spatula to form an even 1" layer.
- Sprinkle the rest of the chocolate chips on the surface.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- The Final Steps
- After 15 minutes, remove the loaf tin and leave it to cool.
- Gently lift the parchment paper and transfer the loaf onto a flat tray or plate.
- Using a sharp knife, cut into 8 equal-sized squares.
- Storing Instructions
- Store in an airtight tin.
- If you want to use them over a long period, freeze the Oats Banana Energy Bars. Warm in a microwave before eating.
Notes
Recipe for Flourless Oats Banana Peanut Butter Energy Bars
- Getting Started
- Pre-heat the oven to 180°C.
- Line a 9″ x 4″ loaf tin with a parchment paper. You do not have to grease the pan as the dough won’t stick.
- Making the Energy Bar Dough
- Cut the banana into small pieces and mash the pieces well to ensure there are no lumps. I used the pav bhaji masher to mash the bananas.
- Add the peanut butter to the mashed banana and mix well.
- Now add the peanut butter-banana mixture to rolled oats. Mix well.
- Now add 1/2 the chocolate chips (1.5 tbsp) and molasses or honey to the dough. I forgot to take a pic after I added molasses. 🙁
- Mix well. If the dough is very stiff add a little more mashed banana; if the dough is loose, add some more rolled oats.
- Cut the banana into small pieces and mash the pieces well to ensure there are no lumps. I used the pav bhaji masher to mash the bananas.
- Baking the Oats Banana Peanut Butter Energy Bars
- Transfer the dough into the lined loaf tin and use a spatula to form an even 1″ layer. The dough will be quite stiff.
- Sprinkle the rest of the chocolate chips on the surface.
- Bake for 15 minutes. If you want gooey bars, bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove the tin immediately from the oven and let it cool a bit.
- The Final Steps
- After about 10 minutes of removing from the oven, gently lift the parchment paper and transfer the loaf onto a flat tray or plate.
- Using a sharp knife, cut into 8 equal-sized squares.
- Now let the Oats Banana Energy Bars cool completely.
- How to Store the Bars
- If you plan to use the energy bars over 2 or 3 days, store the cooled pieces in an airtight tin.
- If you want to use these bars over a long period, transfer into a ziploc bag and freeze the Oats Banana Energy Bars. Warm in a microwave before eating.
I am taking these healthy quick bites to the A to Z Challenge.
I love making energy bars at home, Aruna.But have not used banana in my recipes. These are quite healthy and easy to make as well. I loved the pics too where the recipe is highlightened totally.
I’m going to have to give these a go. Always looking for healthy snack that fill me up so I don’t keep snacking!
These are bland without sugar. If you need a touch of sweetness, add honey or sugar
Thanks for the tip. Maybe a bit of maple syrup?
That would be perfect. ????
Love the sound of these energy bars, with peanut butter and banana and chocolate chips. They look chewy and lovely, and I can imagine the wonderful flavours! Would love to try making these some time.