Wake up to the delightful aroma of freshly baked Peanut Butter Banana Muffin Bars, a nutritious and convenient breakfast option that will kickstart your day with a burst of flavor. This recipe combines the timeless duo of peanut butter and bananas into moist and tender muffin bars, sweetened with a touch of honey for the perfect balance of sweetness. With just a handful of pantry staples and simple instructions, you can easily whip up a batch of these delicious bars in no time, making them ideal for busy mornings or meal prepping ahead of time. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or packed for an on-the-go breakfast, these muffin bars are sure to become a favorite in your household. Customize them with your favorite mix-ins or enjoy them as is for a satisfying and wholesome start to your day.
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Why are these muffin bars great for meal prep?
- Convenience Factor: With just a handful of ingredients and simple instructions, these muffin bars are incredibly easy to whip up. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prepping ahead of time, saving you valuable minutes during busy mornings
- Versatile and Customizable: While the base recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily customize these muffin bars to suit your taste preferences. Add in extras like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a flavor twist.
- Portability: Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a leisurely breakfast at home, these muffin bars are the perfect grab-and-go option. Simply wrap them up individually and take them with you wherever you go.
- Kid-Friendly: Picky eaters won’t be able to resist the sweet combination of peanut butter and bananas in these muffin bars. They’re a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients for the little ones while keeping them satisfied until lunchtime.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch of these muffin bars and stash them in the freezer for future breakfasts. They’ll stay fresh for weeks, making them a convenient option for busy mornings or last-minute meals.
Simple Ingredients for Peanut Butter and Banana Muffin Bars
- Bananas: Bananas serve as the primary fruit component in this recipe. They not only add natural sweetness but also contribute moisture and texture to the muffin bars. Bananas are rich in potassium, which supports heart health, and fiber, which aids digestion. Additionally, bananas are typically inexpensive year-round, making them a budget-friendly choice for adding flavor and nutrients to the recipe.
- Peanut Butter: Peanut butter not only adds a rich, nutty flavor but also brings healthy fats and protein to the table. It helps to make the muffin bars more filling and satisfying, keeping hunger at bay throughout the morning. Peanut butter is also a budget-friendly pantry staple, offering a great bang for your buck in terms of nutritional value and versatility in various recipes.
- Egg: The egg serves as a binding agent in this recipe, helping to hold the ingredients together and providing structure to the muffin bars. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin B12 and selenium. They’re also relatively affordable, especially when purchased in larger quantities, making them a budget-friendly ingredient that adds nutritional value to the recipe.
- Milk: Milk adds moisture and richness to the muffin bars while also contributing to their tender texture. It provides essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and protein, promoting bone health and overall wellness. Milk is often an affordable staple in most households, making it a budget-friendly ingredient that enhances both the flavor and nutritional profile of the recipe.
- Honey: Honey serves as a natural sweetener in this recipe, providing a touch of sweetness without the need for refined sugars. It also adds moisture and helps to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. Honey contains antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties, making it a healthier alternative to processed sugars. While honey may be slightly more expensive than granulated sugar, a little goes a long way, making it a cost-effective option for adding sweetness to the muffin bars.
- Flour: Flour serves as the base ingredient in this recipe, providing structure and volume to the muffin bars. While all-purpose flour is used here, you can also opt for whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients. Flour is a pantry staple that is relatively inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly option for baking a variety of recipes.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder acts as a leavening agent in this recipe, helping the muffin bars to rise and achieve a light and fluffy texture. It ensures that the bars have the perfect amount of lift and tenderness. Baking powder is a cost-effective ingredient commonly used in baking, making it a budget-friendly addition to this recipe.
How to Meal Prep Peanut Butter and Banana Muffin Bars:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that it’s ready to go when your muffin bars are all set to bake.
- In a mixing bowl, crack open your egg and pour in the milk, honey, and peanut butter. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and form a smooth mixture.
- Now, it’s time to add the flour and baking powder to the wet mixture. Stir everything together until you achieve a smooth batter. Make sure there are no lumps, as we want our muffin bars to be perfectly fluffy.
- Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, then transfer your batter into it. Spread the batter evenly using a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- lace the baking dish in the preheated oven and let your muffin bars bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the center is fully cooked. You can test this by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your bars are ready to go!
- Once your muffin bars are out of the oven and cooling down, it’s time to add the finishing touch. Slice some fresh bananas and place them on top of your bars for a delicious and nutritious topping.
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Meal Prep and Pairing Tips:
- Coffee or Tea: Start your morning right by enjoying a warm cup of coffee or tea alongside your muffin bar. The slight bitterness of coffee or the soothing qualities of tea can balance the sweetness of the muffin bars, creating a harmonious breakfast duo.
- Greek Yogurt: Serve your muffin bar with a side of creamy Greek yogurt for added protein and texture. You can even drizzle some honey on top of the yogurt for extra sweetness.
- Granola: Sprinkle some crunchy granola over your muffin bar to add texture and a hint of sweetness. It’s a great way to add a satisfying crunch to your breakfast.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle a touch of maple syrup over your muffin bar for an extra layer of sweetness. The rich, caramel-like flavor of maple syrup pairs beautifully with the nuttiness of peanut butter and the natural sweetness of bananas.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: For a balanced breakfast with added protein, serve your muffin bar with a side of hard-boiled eggs. It’s a filling combination that will keep you satisfied until your next meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store the muffin bars?
Allow the muffin bars to cool completely before storing them. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If storing in the freezer, individually wrap the bars in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Can I add other mix-ins to the batter?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your muffin bars by adding your favorite mix-ins such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit. Just be mindful of the additional moisture content and adjust the baking time accordingly if needed.
Can I omit the peanut butter if I have an allergy or preference?
Yes, you can omit the peanut butter if necessary. You can replace it with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you prefer or if you have a peanut allergy.
Peanut Butter Banana Muffin Bar
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition