{"id":2447,"date":"2015-02-16T19:23:44","date_gmt":"2015-02-17T01:23:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bowlofdelicious.com\/?p=2447"},"modified":"2020-12-04T06:45:59","modified_gmt":"2020-12-04T12:45:59","slug":"5-ingredient-peanut-butter-and-banana-energy-bars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bowlofdelicious.com\/5-ingredient-peanut-butter-and-banana-energy-bars\/","title":{"rendered":"Peanut Butter and Banana Energy Bars"},"content":{"rendered":"

For a healthy pre- or post- workout snack<\/strong>, try these homemade energy bars with peanut butter, banana, and oats! Similar to granola bars, they’re easy to make with only 5 ingredients<\/strong>, and they’re high in protein, fiber, and healthy carbs<\/strong> to give you that boost of energy you need.<\/p>\n

\"Overhead<\/a><\/p>\n

The other day, I had a cooking catastrophe in an attempt to make healthy “cookies.”<\/p>\n

Well, catastrophe may be kind of a strong word. Because out of it was born these super tasty, super healthy peanut butter and banana energy bars with only 5 ingredients! Here’s the story.<\/p>\n

I got it in my head that I wanted to be “healthy” even though I was craving a cookie something fierce.<\/p>\n

So, I tried making those two-ingredient “cookies” you always see on Pinterest… you know, the ones made only from mashed bananas and oats?<\/p>\n

I am telling you right now: bananas and oats do not a cookie make.<\/p>\n

If you want a cookie, do NOT attempt this, whatever you do. To future Elizabeth: when you want cookies, just make them! With BUTTER. And FLOUR.<\/p>\n

Like these spicy ginger date cookies<\/a>. Or these orange chai spice cookies<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But, like I said before, I did learn something from the experience! While my two-ingredient experiment did not taste anything like the cookies I was craving, they didn’t taste bad. <\/em><\/p>\n

They actually had a fluffy, banana bread-ish texture even though it had no flour (since bananas firm up when they bake and act as a binding agent)<\/em>. They were moist, just like banana bread, and somewhat sweet, from the natural sugars in the banana.<\/p>\n

\"Peanut<\/a><\/p>\n

And then my food blogger brain got to thinking: this would make a great energy bar!<\/p>\n

With some modifications, of course. This is Bowl of DELICIOUS, after all, not Bowl of “Eh, not bad.” And these bars are definitely delicious.<\/p>\n

But I DID whip up these delicious and healthy breakfast cookies<\/a> as well, packed with dried fruit and oats. Yum.<\/p>\n

What makes these peanut butter and banana oat bars healthy?<\/h2>\n

These granola bars have only 5 healthy, natural ingredients: bananas, peanut butter, oats, nuts\/seeds, and honey<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Throw a little cinnamon\/vanilla\/other spices in there too, if you’re feeling crazy.<\/p>\n

Maybe even some chocolate chips! YUM.<\/p>\n

They are packed full of carbs, healthy fats, and protein<\/strong>, with nothing acidic or too flavorful to cause indigestion while working out, and they will keep you full and satisfied for a long time.<\/p>\n

They are the PERFECT pre-hike\/pre-run\/pre-workout snack. WAY better than a Power Bar, for sure!<\/p>\n

How to make peanut butter, oat, and banana energy bars<\/h2>\n

They are so easy to make. Just mix some the ingredients with a mixer (I use my KitchenAid mixer<\/a>)<\/em>, spread in a baking dish, and bake.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. First, mix mashed banana, oats, peanut butter, sliced almonds, and some honey (and vanilla extract and cinnamon for extra credit) <\/em>with a standing or hand mixer. The dough will be quite thick.<\/li>\n
  2. Line a baking dish with parchment paper and spread the dough in as evenly as possible<\/li>\n
  3. Bake and slice!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    One important note: make sure you allow to cool completely before you cut into it, otherwise it may fall apart.<\/p>\n

    \"Two<\/a><\/p>\n

    \"Photo<\/a><\/p>\n

    Tips and Tricks<\/h2>\n