Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Highlighted under: Sweet Treats
Ever find yourself with a ripe banana and no plan for it? That’s when I decided to make these Peanut Butter Banana Bites. They’re super easy and perfect for an afternoon snack, or when you need a quick energy boost. Honestly, they’ve saved me on busy days when I just want something that feels satisfying without a ton of effort. Let me tell you, there’s something about the combo of creamy peanut butter and sweet banana that just hits the right spot.
I started making these tasty bites when my kids were little, and it quickly became a family favorite. We’d often have overripe bananas sitting on the counter, and instead of tossing them out, we turned them into this healthy treat. It's an absolute hit with the kids, and honestly, I don’t feel guilty sneaking a couple for myself!
One time, I thought it would be fun to add some chocolate chips to one batch, and while it was definitely a hit, those bites didn’t last very long at all. Now, I usually just stick with the classic peanut butter and banana mix, but don't hesitate to experiment if you're feeling adventurous; just keep an eye on the balance of sweetness.
What Makes This Stand Out
- You probably have everything in your pantry
- No baking involved, just a few steps
- Kids love them as an after-school snack
What to Know Before Making Peanut Butter Banana Bites
These Peanut Butter Banana Bites are all about simplicity and satisfaction. It’s great to have a few wholesome snacks on hand, especially when you're busy. You can use bananas that are getting overly ripe, as they’ll still hold up well in this recipe. Don’t worry about achieving slice perfection; thick or uneven pieces add a bit of charm.
Ingredients
For the Bites
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (I like Skippy)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
Prep the Bananas
Start by peeling the ripe bananas and cutting them into thick slices, about 1 inch each. Lay them out on a cutting board or plate so you can easily work with them. If the bananas are really mushy, that’s okay, they’ll still hold together once you slather on the peanut butter.
Spread the Peanut Butter
Grab a butter knife and spread a good amount of peanut butter onto half of the banana slices. Don’t be shy with the peanut butter; the more, the merrier! Top the peanut buttered slices with the other banana slices to make little sandwiches.
Add Oats and Optional Chocolate Chips
If you want to add some texture, sprinkle a bit of rolled oats on top of each sandwich. If you’re feeling extra, toss on some mini chocolate chips. They’re not necessary but they do make it a bit more indulgent. I usually skip this step if I want to keep things simple.
Chill and Serve
Place the banana bites on a plate and pop them in the fridge for about 10 minutes if you can wait. This helps them firm up a bit, making them easier to eat. But, if you’re hungry, just dig in! They’re good right away too.
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Banana Bites
These bites can stand alone as a snack, but if you’re feeling fancy, you could pair them with a small bowl of yogurt for dipping. A drizzle of honey on top always brings a nice extra touch if you want a little sweetness. They also go well with a cup of warm tea, making for a cozy treat in the afternoon.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you want to prep these bites ahead of time, just keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two. Just remember, bananas can brown, so if appearance is important to you, it's best to enjoy them right after making. You can also freeze them for about a month; just make sure to layer them with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use almond butter instead?
You can, but I wouldn't recommend it for this specific recipe since almond butter is thinner. If you do use it, make sure it’s a thick kind or it might just slide right off.
→ How long do these last in the fridge?
They’ll last about 3 days, but I usually eat them way before that! Just keep them in an airtight container.
→ What can I do with leftover peanut butter?
Honestly, I skip this half the time, but you could make a quick smoothie or just enjoy it with some apples or celery. It’s super versatile.
Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Created by: The Simplecooktips Team
Recipe Type: Sweet Treats
Skill Level: easy
Final Quantity: 12.0
What You'll Need
For the Bites
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (I like Skippy)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
How-To Steps
Start by peeling the ripe bananas and cutting them into thick slices, about 1 inch each. Lay them out on a cutting board or plate so you can easily work with them. If the bananas are really mushy, that’s okay, they’ll still hold together once you slather on the peanut butter.
Grab a butter knife and spread a good amount of peanut butter onto half of the banana slices. Don’t be shy with the peanut butter; the more, the merrier! Top the peanut buttered slices with the other banana slices to make little sandwiches.
If you want to add some texture, sprinkle a bit of rolled oats on top of each sandwich. If you’re feeling extra, toss on some mini chocolate chips. They’re not necessary but they do make it a bit more indulgent. I usually skip this step if I want to keep things simple.
Place the banana bites on a plate and pop them in the fridge for about 10 minutes if you can wait. This helps them firm up a bit, making them easier to eat. But, if you’re hungry, just dig in! They’re good right away too.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories (kcal): 80
- Total Fat (g): 4.5
- Saturated Fat (g): 1
- Cholesterol (mg): 0
- Sodium (mg): 50
- Total Carbohydrates (g): 10
- Dietary Fiber (g): 1.5
- Sugars (g): 4
- Protein (g): 3