These Peanut Butter and Banana Flapjacks are a wholesome, energy-boosting treat perfect for using up ripe bananas and any leftover nuts, seeds, or dried fruits you have in your pantry. Naturally sweetened with honey and bound together with oats and smooth peanut butter, they’re ideal as a snack, lunchbox filler, or post-workout bite. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly and easily adaptable to a vegan version using maple syrup and plant-based spread.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 200g oats

• Large handful of dried fruit, nuts, or seeds (roughly chopped)

• 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (almond or cashew butter works too)

• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons butter (or vegetable spread for vegan)

• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.

2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt together the butter, peanut butter, honey, cinnamon, and salt. Stir occasionally until smooth and fully melted.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, mashed banana, and chopped dried fruits or nuts. Pour in the melted butter mixture and stir until fully combined.

4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared tray. Press it firmly into an even layer, ensuring it reaches all corners.

5. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

6. Cool slightly in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.

7. Slice into squares and enjoy with a cup of tea or pack as an on-the-go snack.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~180–220 kcal per square (depending on mix-ins)

• Servings: 12

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30–40 minutes

• Total Time: ~45–60 minutes

• Storage: Airtight container in fridge or freezer for up to 3 months

• Reheat: Defrost in the fridge before eating

Why Flapjacks Are the Perfect Snack

Flapjacks—also known as oat bars in the UK—are a staple in many households for a reason. They’re incredibly easy to make, store well, and offer balanced energy from carbohydrates, healthy fats, and natural sugars. Unlike cookies or cakes, flapjacks can be packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like seeds, dried fruit, and nut butters that not only improve texture and flavor but also add long-lasting fuel.

This recipe stands out because it takes a classic concept and enhances it with two power ingredients: bananas and peanut butter. Bananas are not only naturally sweet but also full of potassium and dietary fiber. Peanut butter, meanwhile, brings protein, healthy fats, and a rich, creamy taste that balances the natural sugars in the fruit. Combined with oats, which are high in complex carbohydrates and beta-glucan fiber, these flapjacks are ideal for those looking to eat better without sacrificing flavor.

Using Ripe Bananas as a Natural Sweetener

Bananas are the secret weapon in this recipe, especially when they’re overripe. Not only do they help bind the ingredients together, but they also bring a gentle sweetness and rich aroma that eliminates the need for processed sugars. As bananas ripen, their starches convert to sugar, making them ideal for baking. In flapjacks, they offer a soft, moist texture that prevents the bars from becoming dry or crumbly after baking.

If you’re trying to reduce your reliance on added sugars or you’re feeding young children, bananas are a fantastic choice. They’re packed with vitamins B6 and C, along with antioxidants and minerals that support healthy metabolism and digestion. Their mild flavor also pairs effortlessly with other pantry ingredients like cinnamon, vanilla, and nut butter.

Peanut Butter for Protein and Satisfaction

Few ingredients offer the depth and richness of peanut butter in baked goods. In these flapjacks, it serves as a binder, a fat source, and a flavor booster all in one. Its smooth texture makes the bars cohesive without needing eggs or flour, which is particularly useful for those following gluten-free or egg-free diets. Additionally, peanut butter contributes healthy unsaturated fats, protein for satiety, and a toasty flavor that balances the sweetness of the banana and honey.

While peanut butter is the default choice, this recipe welcomes variation. Almond butter offers a slightly milder, nuttier flavor, while cashew butter creates a creamier, more indulgent texture. For nut-free options, sunflower seed butter or tahini can be used as alternatives.

Flexible and Customizable Mix-Ins

One of the most enjoyable aspects of making flapjacks is the opportunity to customize them with whatever you have on hand. The base recipe includes a generous handful of chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit, giving you endless possibilities to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Consider adding chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for crunch and healthy fats. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds add texture and a boost of plant-based nutrition. Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, chopped dates, or apricots contribute bursts of sweetness and chewy contrast. You can even mix in unsweetened shredded coconut, cacao nibs, or mini dark chocolate chips for added flair.

Whether you’re creating a nut-free version for school lunches or a high-protein batch for gym days, this recipe molds itself around your goals.

Kid-Friendly and Great for Meal Prep

These flapjacks are ideal for families looking for healthier snacks that kids will actually eat. The natural sweetness from bananas and honey, combined with the soft texture and nutty flavor, makes them a hit with little ones. Since the recipe avoids processed sugar and uses wholesome ingredients, parents can feel good about including them in lunchboxes or after-school snack time.

Their portability and shelf life also make them an excellent choice for meal prep. Once baked and cooled, they can be sliced and stored in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge or frozen for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or pop them into a lunchbox frozen—they’ll be ready to eat by midday.

Easy Vegan Adaptation

If you’re following a vegan diet or cooking for someone who is, these flapjacks are easy to adapt. Simply swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar and replace the butter with a plant-based spread or coconut oil. The texture and taste remain delicious, and the bars still bake up with the same satisfying chew and golden color.

This flexibility makes the recipe an excellent go-to for mixed-diet households or for those accommodating food allergies and preferences without making multiple versions of the same treat.

Baking and Storage Tips

When baking flapjacks, it’s important not to overbake them. They may still appear soft in the center when you take them out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool. Overbaking can lead to a tough, crumbly texture instead of the desired soft and chewy consistency.

For best results, press the mixture firmly into the baking tin so the bars hold their shape. Lining the tin with parchment paper allows for easy removal and neat slicing. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the flapjacks into even squares or bars.

To store, place them in a sealed container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. For long-term storage, wrap individual squares and freeze them, making it easy to grab and go on busy mornings.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter and Banana Flapjacks are everything you want in a homemade snack—nutritious, flavorful, easy to make, and endlessly versatile. They transform simple ingredients into satisfying bites that nourish the body and please the palate. Whether you’re looking for a lunchbox staple, a gym bag snack, or a sweet treat to pair with tea, these flapjacks deliver every time.

Their rich flavor from peanut butter, natural sweetness from bananas and honey, and the hearty base of oats come together in a way that feels indulgent yet nourishing. With customizable mix-ins and simple substitutions for vegan or allergy-friendly options, they’re a reliable recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

Best of all, these flapjacks aren’t just a snack—they’re a solution. A solution for busy days, picky eaters, overripe bananas, and pantry odds and ends. Make a batch today, and you’ll find yourself wondering how you ever lived without them.