Greek Yogurt Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Brownie Bars: A Healthier Indulgence

These Greek Yogurt Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Brownie Bars are a deliciously fudgy treat with a nutritious twist! Combining ripe banana, creamy peanut butter, tangy Greek yogurt, and rich cocoa, these bars are naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup and made with wholesome oat flour. Perfect for a guilt-free dessert or snack, they’re easy to whip up and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- ½ cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup oat flour (blend rolled oats if needed)
- ¼ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup chocolate chips (dark, milk, or semi-sweet)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth.
- Add peanut butter, Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined and creamy.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Add oat flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the wet mixture.
- Stir until just combined, ensuring no dry pockets remain.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top if desired.
Step 5: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle any reserved chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the edges are set but the center remains slightly moist (a toothpick should come out with a few crumbs).
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- As a Snack: Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
- Toppings: Drizzle with extra peanut butter or melted chocolate for decadence.
Tips for Success
- Ripe Banana: Use a very ripe banana for natural sweetness and a smoother texture.
- Oat Flour: Make your own by blending rolled oats until fine if you don’t have oat flour.
- Don’t Overbake: The bars should be slightly underdone in the center for that fudgy texture.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly for a warm, gooey treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These brownie bars are a perfect blend of rich chocolate, nutty peanut butter, and creamy yogurt, with a boost of natural sweetness from banana and honey. They’re gluten-free (if using certified gluten-free oats), refined sugar-free, and packed with protein, making them a wholesome yet indulgent treat. Easy to make and versatile, they’re ideal for satisfying sweet cravings without the guilt.
Serves 9–12. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 18–20 minutes. Total time: 28–30 minutes.