Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookie Bars Recipe Is High-Fiber, High-Protein (8 Ingredients) by Elisa Schmitz

Sometimes, breakfast can seem optional. It's a busy time of day and breakfast can get lost in the shuffle. That's why I love this high-protein and high-fiber peanut butter chocolate chip oatmeal breakfast cookie bar recipe. It's so easy to make and is as nutritious as it is delicious. 

I love sweets and crave ingredients like chocolate and peanut butter – especially when they're together – but I also try to get nutrients in whenever possible. That includes snacks and desserts, too. Luckily, it's pretty easy to sneak healthier ingredients into dessert and breakfast cookie recipes. This peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars recipe is a great example. It includes protein-packed peanut butter, plus it includes ingredients that boost nutrition, such as oats and bananas. Check out the health benefits of peanut butter, the health benefits of oats and the health benefits of bananas.

Photo credit (all photos): Elisa Schmitz

If you ask me, cookies that offer fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals are something special. Take one bite of these easy, low-sodium peanut butter chocolate chip bars and you'll see what I mean. Here are the eight simple ingredients you need to make these gluten-free yet moist and delicious banana oat bars: overripe bananas, natural peanut butter, vanilla extract, quick-cook oats, baking powder, salt, honey and chocolate chips. The chopped walnuts are optional. Mix the ingredients then bake them up into decadent bars that everyone will love – all in only about 35 minutes.

Serve these more nutritious peanut butter oatmeal cookie bars for breakfast, dessert or as a sweet snack anytime. These wholesome bars are great on the go!

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 24 to 28 minutes (ovens vary)
Total Time: 31 to 35 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 6 medium overripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or chunky), at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 1/2 cup quick-cook oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips (divided)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Here's how to make it:

1. Spray a 13x9-inch baking pan or casserole dish with cooking spray (or line it with parchment paper.) In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed bananas, peanut butter, vanilla and honey. Mix well.
   
2. Add the oats, baking powder and salt. Stir to combine.
   
3. Add half the chocolate chips, and the walnuts, if using. Stir to combine. (You also could use chopped pecans, chopped peanuts or no additional nuts at all.)
   
4. Pour mixture into the prepared baking pan and ensure that it's evenly distributed.
   
5. Sprinkle the top with the rest of the chocolate chips.
   
6. Bake in a preheated 350-degree F oven for about 24 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
   
    
7. Allow to cool a bit before slicing and serving. Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave.
   

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. Any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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