Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Last Updated on January 14, 2024 by Annie

Soft and savory peanut butter oatmeal bars are the breakfast meal-prep recipe you need in your life! These dairy-free, gluten-free, no sugar added soft breakfast bars come together quickly for the ultimate breakfast snack!

There are few things in life I loathe more than doing dishes. Ironic since I love baking and thus end up with millions of dishes to clean weekly.

Nevertheless, washing dishes is the last thing I want to start my day doing (when I’m likely to be under-caffeinated) which is why I have been on a quest to find meal prep recipes that get my breakfast ready for the week so I don’t have to pull out pots and pans first thing in the morning.

These peanut butter oatmeal bars make the perfect solution to this problem. They are quick to make and keep my mornings free from dairy AND extra dishes.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Some of the top reasons I love this baked oatmeal bars recipe and think you will too include:

• Healthy. These breakfast meal prep bars are dairy-free, gluten-free, and no sugar added.
• Great for meal prep. Makes breakfast or snacks for the whole week.
• Simple to make. These baked oatmeal bars easily come together in about 5 minutes.
• Kid-friendly! My son loves to eat these for breakfast or a snack throughout the day.

MAIN INGREDIENTS FOR PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL BARS

• Oatmeal- traditional rolled oats (rather than quick oats) work best and maintain their shape during the baking process giving the oatmeal bar a flaky texture.
• Banana– adds a little natural sweetness and helps bind the oatmeal bars together.
• Peanut Butter– adds some protein and provides a creamy, savory flavor to these breakfast bars.
• Eggs- help bind the oats together in the baking process.
• Non-dairy milk– adds moisture to the oatmeal and helps the oats bake through.

HOW TO MAKE PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL BARS

• Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8X8 square baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
• Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl pour rolled oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir together and set aside.
• Mash banana: Next, in a medium mixing bowl mash 1 ripe banana.
• Add remaining wet ingredients: Mix in eggs, peanut butter, melted coconut oil, non-dairy milk, and vanilla.

• Mix wet with dry: Pour the mixture of liquid ingredients into the mixing bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir together and pour into the prepared baking pan.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes.
• Cool and cut: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Cut into 9 squares.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

• 8×8-inch Baking Pan– Gives you perfectly squared corners and is easy to fit with parchment paper.
• Glass Mixing Bowls– Durable and sure to whip these oatmeal bars up no problem.
• Whisk– For whipping the banana to a smooth finish and mixing together the batter.

Show to Serve Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

While I am all about keeping these soft baked, oatmeal breakfast bars simple, here are a few different ways you can easily dress them up for some added flavor.

• Chocolate + Peanut Butter: Top these warm peanut butter oatmeal bars with some mini-chocolate chips. Enjoy Life makes a delicious dairy-free chocolate chip!
• Honey + Peanuts: Drizzle to top of your oatmeal bars with some honey and sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for an extra crunch.
• PB+J: Add some fresh slices strawberries on top for a little twist on the classic PB+J.

DAIRY-FREE CHANGES to BAKED OATMEAL BARS

With just one simple swap, these delicious baked oatmeal bars are delightful dairy-free.

• Non-dairy milk. I have used both almond milk and oat milk in this recipe and find they both work well.

Storing Peanut Butter Baked Oats

If you are making this as a meal prep for the week, here’s how to keep the oatmeal bars fresh and best.

• Allow the bars to cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• When you are ready to eat, take out the desired number of bars and warm them in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds and top with garnishes (See suggestions above).

Can you freeze baked oatmeal squares?

Yes! These healthy peanut butter oatmeal bars are perfect for freezing and re-heating. To freeze:

• Allow to cool completely.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or zip top bag.
• Remove the number of peanut butter oatmeal bars you want when you are ready to heat and eat.
• Cook in microwave for about 45 seconds.

Healthy Baked Oatmeal Recipes

If you are interested in more baked oats recipes, be sure to check out these other healthy baked oatmeal recipes:

• Snickerdoodle Baked Oats
• Chocolate Protein Blended Baked Oats
• Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal

Did you try out these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars to speed up your morning routine? Leave a comment below to let me know how it went or snap a quick picture and share it with me on Instagram @mylifeafterdairy so I can share your life after dairy adventures!

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Print

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Prep breakfast for the week with these savory, dairy-free, gluten-free, no sugar added peanut butter oatmeal bars.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Keyword Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Meal Prep, No Sugar Added, oatmeal

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Servings 9 squares

Ingredients

• 2 cups Rolled Oats
• ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 Banana mashed
• 2 Eggs
• ¼ cup Peanut Butter
• ¼ cup Coconut Oil melted
• 1 cup Non-dairy Milk
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8X8 baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. In a small bowl melt coconut oil and cool slightly.

3. In a small mixing bowl stir together 2 cups oats, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon.

4. In a large mixing bowl, mash banana. Mix in 2 eggs, ¼ cup peanut butter, ¼ cup melted coconut oil, 1 cup non-dairy milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir until smooth.

5. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir until combined.

6. Pour the oatmeal batter into the lined baking dish and bake for 45 minutes.

7. Remove from oven and allow to cool before cutting in and enjoying!

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