1-Pre-heat the oven and prepare the pan: Making these peanut butter banana bars is as fun as it is simple. Start by pre-heating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and lightly greasing a loaf pan or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This step ensures your bars come out without sticking and look picture-perfect.

2-Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, mash the 3 very ripe bananas until almost smooth, then stir in the 60 ml (¼ cup) of smooth natural peanut butter and 1 tsp vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Next, add the 150 g (1 ¼ cup) of instant or quick-cooking rolled oats, ¼ tsp salt, and ½ tsp baking powder; mix until evenly distributed. Fold in about 35 g of the 90 g (½ cup) chocolate chips, saving the rest for the top.

3-Bake and cool: Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, spreading it evenly, and sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the surface. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into 6-8 pieces for the best texture and taste.

4-Final touches: Once baked, these bars will have a delightful chewiness that’s hard to resist. If you’re adapting for dietary needs, like using vegan substitutes, fold them in during the mixing step. This method keeps things straightforward while allowing for creative tweaks, making it ideal for beginners or pros alike.