Banana and Cocoa Oat Bars with Dark Chocolate and Peanuts

 

🍌 Banana and Cocoa Oat Bars with Dark Chocolate and Peanuts

Healthy, Chewy, and Absolutely Irresistible

If you’re looking for a snack that’s as delicious as it is nutritious, these Banana and Cocoa Oat Bars with Dark Chocolate and Peanuts are about to become your new favorite.

Naturally sweet, chocolatey, and perfectly chewy, these bars strike the balance between dessert and energy fuel. They’re made with simple, wholesome ingredients — no refined sugar, no butter, and no guilt — just pure flavor and texture that keeps you coming back for more.

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🌾 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and a touch of honey or maple syrup

• Packed with fiber and protein from oats and peanuts

• Rich in antioxidants thanks to dark cocoa and dark chocolate

• Perfect for on-the-go snacking or a quick breakfast bite

These bars are the kind of treat that tastes indulgent but actually fuels your day.

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🍫 Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• A pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed

• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup

• ¼ cup natural peanut butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins:

• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips or chunks

• ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts

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👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix the dry ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

3. Combine the wet ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add honey (or maple syrup), peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and well-blended.

4. Bring it all together:
   Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. Fold in the dark chocolate and chopped peanuts.

5. Bake:
   Spread the mixture evenly into the pan and press it down firmly. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are set and the center feels firm to the touch.

6. Cool and slice:
   Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles.

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🌰 Tips & Variations

• Make it vegan: Use maple syrup and dairy-free dark chocolate.

• Add texture: Toss in shredded coconut, chia seeds, or dried fruit.

• Turn it into dessert: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top once cooled for an extra indulgent finish.

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🍪 Storage

These bars keep beautifully!

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months — perfect for meal prep.

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💛 The Bottom Line

These Banana and Cocoa Oat Bars with Dark Chocolate and Peanuts are proof that healthy snacks don’t have to be boring. Each bite delivers rich cocoa flavor, nutty crunch, and natural sweetness — everything you love in one wholesome square.

Enjoy them with your morning coffee, after a workout, or whenever you need a little boost. They’re quick to make, easy to love, and guaranteed to disappear fast!