Chunky Monkey Protein Baked Oat Bars (Printable)

Wholesome banana-chocolate oat bars with protein, nuts, and dark chocolate. Perfect breakfast or snack.

# Components:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
02 - 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
03 - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
04 - 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
05 - 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

07 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
08 - 1/2 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder
09 - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
10 - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - 1 teaspoon baking powder

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Stir in applesauce, honey or maple syrup, almond milk, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, combine oats, protein powder, walnuts, chocolate chips, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder.
04 - Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
05 - Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan.
06 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until bars are set and golden around the edges.
07 - Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 bars.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy: Just 10 minutes of prep time
  • Nutrient-dense with 6g protein per serving
  • Perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings
  • Kid-friendly treat that's actually good for them
  • Customizable to dietary needs and preferences
02 -
  • Use spotty, overripe bananas for maximum sweetness
  • For softer bars, bake for 22 minutes; for firmer bars, bake for the full 25
  • Allow bars to cool completely for clean cutting
  • Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months
  • Check your protein powder's ingredients if you have allergies
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