Pin It These Chunky Monkey Protein Baked Oat Bars are a wholesome, banana-chocolate treat inspired by the classic smoothie bowl flavor combination. Perfectly balanced and easy to prepare, they make a fantastic breakfast or an on-the-go snack for those busy mornings.
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The natural sweetness of ripe bananas paired with the rich crunch of walnuts and dark chocolate chips creates a satisfying texture. At only 160 calories per bar, it is a guilt-free way to fuel your day.
Ingredients
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- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup (60 g) natural peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (200 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (60 g) vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup (40 g) dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in applesauce, honey or maple syrup, almond milk, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 3
- In a separate bowl, combine oats, protein powder, walnuts, chocolate chips, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder.
- Step 4
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Step 5
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Step 6
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the bars are set and golden around the edges.
- Step 7
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 bars.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
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Ensure your bananas are very ripe with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture. Using a spatula to spread the batter will help ensure an even bake throughout the pan. Always allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a nut-free version, leave out the walnuts or swap them for seeds. To make these bars vegan, use maple syrup, vegan protein powder, and dairy-free chocolate chips. You can also boost the nutrition by adding chia or flax seeds to the dry mixture.
Serviervorschläge
These bars are delicious on their own or served with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
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Whip up a batch of these Chunky Monkey Protein Baked Oat Bars and enjoy a delicious, energy-packed snack that tastes just like your favorite smoothie bowl!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, use maple syrup instead of honey and choose a plant-based vanilla or chocolate protein powder. Swap the dark chocolate chips for certified dairy-free chips to ensure the entire batch is vegan-friendly.
- → What protein powder works best?
Vanilla or chocolate whey protein powder blends well, though casein can make the bars denser. Plant-based options like pea or hemp protein also work—expect a slightly heartier texture. Avoid unflavored varieties if you prefer a sweeter result.
- → How do I store these bars?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully—wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator.
- → Can I reduce the sugar content?
The sweetness primarily comes from ripe bananas, honey or maple syrup. You can reduce the sweetener to 2 tablespoons if using very ripe bananas. Skip the chocolate chips or use cacao nibs for a less refined sugar option.
- → Why do my bars turn out crumbly?
Overmixing can create a dense, crumbly texture—mix until just combined. Ensure your bananas are thoroughly mashed for proper moisture. Adding an extra tablespoon of almond milk can help if the mixture seems too dry before baking.
- → Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide better texture and structure. Quick oats may make the bars softer and less substantial. If using quick oats, reduce the amount slightly and add a few extra minutes of baking time.
