These no-bake banana peanut butter bites taste just like banana bread and only take 10 minutes to prepare. They’re the perfect quick and easy healthy dessert, snack, or on-the-go breakfast. No oats in this recipe!
Peanut butter banana bites without oats
If you’re a fan of banana bread, get ready to fall in love with these no-bake peanut butter banana bites. I have had this recipe on my site since 2020, and you all love it, but it’s definitely time to update the pictures now that I am using a real camera instead of my iPhone.
Now, let’s talk about these little energy bites. They are truly a game-changer for busy mornings or hot summer days when you crave something chilled and delicious. What’s unique about them is they’re made without oats, unlike many energy ball recipes out there. Instead, they’re crafted with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas, all-natural peanut butter, coconut flour, cinnamon, and just a touch of maple syrup. Plus, they’re low in sugar and naturally free from refined sugars—a win-win!
In our household, these peanut butter banana bites have earned a permanent spot on our weekly menu. We enjoy them as a speedy breakfast addition, a satisfying snack, or even as a guilt-free dessert. And the best part? They’re perfect for meal prep, ensuring you always have a nutritious option ready to grab whenever hunger strikes.
Whether you’re looking for a grab-and-go snack or a satisfying dessert alternative, these bites have you covered. Try them out and let me know what you think—I can’t wait for you to enjoy them as much as we do!
Why you’ll love this no-bake recipe:
- Quick & Easy: These banana bread bites are ready in under 10 minutes.
- No Oven: No-bake recipes are the best!
- Meal Prep: You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 8 days.
- Healthy: Perfect for a healthy dessert, snack, and breakfast addition.
- Kid-Approved: Kids love these banana bread bites.
- Gluten-Free: These bites are naturally gluten-free, with no need for any ingredient substitutions.
- No Oats: Most peanut butter bite recipes call for oats but don’t worry, this one does not.
- Taste like Banana Bread: Serisouly, so delicious!
- They these Peanut Butter Truffles or these Chocolate Covered Pineapple Rings next!
Ingredients needed
These banana peanut butter bites call for eight simple ingredients. They’re healthy, gluten-free, oat-free, and no-bake. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:
- Banana: Choose a super spotty, ripe banana for all the natural sweetness. The more brown spots, the sweeter the banana.
- Peanut Butter: I highly recommend all-natural peanut butter to ensure a rich, nutty flavor without any added sugars or oils. This adds protein to these little bites. You can use crunchy or smooth peanut butter!
- Maple Syrup: This adds natural and delicious sweetness without refined sugars and adds a hint of caramel-like flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds the best flavor.
- Cinnamon: Trust me, it makes these bites taste like banana bread.
- Coconut Flour: There are no oats or refined flours in this recipe! Instead, we use coconut flour to help bind the ingredients together; it’s a gluten-free alternative to traditional flour.
- Salt (if not using salted peanut butter): This balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: There is nothing better than chocolate chip banana bread, so naturally, we need to add a drizzle of chocolate to these banana bread bites! I used chips, but you can also use a bar.
- Coconut Oil: Create a smooth and glossy chocolate drizzle with coconut oil. Plus, coconut oil is a fantastic source of healthy fats.
Kitchen tools needed
Here is a quick list of all the kitchen tools you’ll need to make these peanut butter banana bites:
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Plate or tray
How to make banana peanut butter bites
These no-bake peanut butter banana bread bites come together in under 10 minutes. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make this recipe; just scroll to the bottom of this post for the full recipe and ingredient measurements.
Step 1:
First, mash the ripe banana in a big bowl using a fork.
Step 2:
Then, add the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the mashed banana and mix everything.
Step 3:
After that, add the coconut flour and salt (if needed). Mix well until everything is combined. Let the mixture sit for a minute or two. If it is too soft, add a sprinkle of more coconut flour.
Step 4:
Now, use your hands to roll the mixture into 12 to 16 small balls and place them evenly on a plate or tray. I recommend storing them in the fridge while you melt the chocolate.
Step 5:
In a microwave-safe bowl, put the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave for 20 seconds, then stir. Repeat until the chocolate is fully melted.
Step 6:
Finally, use a fork to drizzle the melted chocolate over the banana peanut butter bites. Put the plate or tray in the refrigerator or freezer and let the bites chill for 10 minutes before eating.
Enjoy your no-oatmeal banana peanut butter bites! Remember to store them in the fridge for up to 8 days or freezer for up to 2 months.
Expert recipe tips:
- Substituting Coconut Flour: This is crucial to understand. Coconut flour absorbs liquid more than regular flour, so you need less of it in recipes. If you want to swap it with almond flour in this recipe, remember that almond flour needs about four times the amount of coconut flour. For this recipe, which uses 1/3 cup of coconut flour, you’ll need roughly 1 and 1/4 cups of almond flour to get the same texture and consistency.
- Extra Brown Bananas: Opt for a fully ripe banana with brown spots. Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and contribute to a smoother texture in the bites.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Experiment with different toppings to add variety and visual appeal to your bites. Consider rolling the bites in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or cocoa powder before chilling.
- Adjust Consistency: Every peanut butter brand has a different consistency, so if the mixture seems too soft or sticky, add a little more coconut flour until you achieve a dough-like consistency that is easy to roll into balls.
- Store Properly: Store the finished bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. They can be enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge or at room temperature for a softer texture.
- Make them Nut-Free: To make these banana bread bites nut-free, substitute the peanut butter with sun butter. If you are allergic to coconuts, use almond flour. I left instructions in the recipe card!
Easy ingredient substitutions and variations:
I make this recipe at least once a week, and these are the best tried-and-true ingredient substitutions. I recommend making only one or two swaps to avoid losing the original recipe.
- Peanut Butter: You can use almond, cashew, granola, or sun butter instead of peanut butter.
- Maple Syrup: Try honey instead of maple syrup! It is also refined sugar-free.
- Coconut Flour: This is super important; coconut flour is super absorbent, so if you want to substitute it with another flour, like almond flour, you need to add about four times the amount. This recipe calls for 1/3 cup of coconut flour, so you’ll need 1 and 1/4 cups of almond flour.
- Dark Chocolate: Use milk, dairy-free, or semi-sweet chocolate.
- Coconut Oil: You can use vegan butter or regular butter, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular flour or almond flour instead of coconut flour?
Coconut flour is super absorbent, so you need less of it than almond flour or all-purpose flour. If you want to substitute coconut flour in this recipe, you’ll need to adjust the measurements. I recommend using almond flour instead of regular flour. For the recipe’s 1/3 cup of coconut flour, you’ll need about 1 1/4 cups of almond flour. However, check the dough’s consistency to ensure it’s rollable and add more almond flour if necessary.
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy in recipes?
Yes, you can typically substitute chunky peanut butter for creamy in most recipes, although the texture of the final dish may be slightly different. I love using chunky peanut butter for these banana bread bites.
Are these bites gluten-free?
Yes! These banana peanut butter bites are 100% naturally gluten-free as is.
Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, you can use other nut butters, such as almond or cashew butter. However, this will alter the flavor.
Can I omit the chocolate drizzle?
Absolutely! The chocolate drizzle adds extra sweetness and decadence, but the bites will still be delicious without it.
How can I make these bites vegan?
To make these bites vegan, ensure that your chocolate chips are dairy-free. Most dark chocolate chips are vegan-friendly, but checking the label is always best.
How to store and freeze peanut butter banana bites:
Storing: Store the banana peanut butter bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from becoming too soft or losing their shape. They can last in the fridge for up to 8 days.
Freezing: If you want to store them longer, you can freeze the bites. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
If you love this recipe, try these no-bake recipes next!
- Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
- Snickerdoodle Oat Milk Smoothie
- Healthy Peanut Butter Truffles
- Strawberry Smoothie Bowl
- Dark Chocolate Pretzel Bark
- Healthy Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups
- 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
Banana Peanut Butter Bites
Ingredients
Banana Peanut Butter Bites:
- 1 large ripe banana with brown spots
- ⅓ cup all-natural peanut butter, one without sugar or oil is best
- 1 tbsp 100% pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ⅓ cup coconut flour, (READ NOTES IF YOU ARE SUBSTITUTING)
- ¼ tsp salt, add if not using salted peanut butter
Chocolate Drizzle:
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Mash the ripe banana in a big bowl using a fork.
- Add peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the mashed banana. Mix everything together.
- Add coconut flour and salt (if needed). Mix well until everything is combined. Let the mixture sit for a minute or two. If it is too soft, add a sprinkle of more coconut flour.
- Use your hands to roll the mixture into 12 to 16 small balls. Place them evenly on a plate or tray. I recommend storing them in the fridge while you melt the chocolate.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, put the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave for 20 seconds, then stir. Repeat until the chocolate is fully melted.
- Use a fork to drizzle the melted chocolate over the banana peanut butter bites.
- Put the plate or tray in the refrigerator or freezer and let the bites chill for 10 minutes before eating. Enjoy and store in the fridge for up to 8 days!
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
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genie Robbins says
Those sound really good. Will have to give them a try.
Tati Chermayeff says
YAY! These are some of my favorite no bake snacks! Cannot wait to hear what you think.
Paige Fullum says
WOW!!!!! New favorite snack….. like ever!
Tati Chermayeff says
OMG, thank you Paige!!! Made my day to hear this.
Rebecca Reuben says
Such a yummy sweet treat snack, and it only took minutes to make!
Tati Chermayeff says
YAY!! Made my day to hear this. Thanks for your sweet review!
Laila Albernaz says
These were beyond easy to whip up, and they’re delicious! I sprinkled some flaky salt on top of the chocolate before popping them in the fridge to set. Truly the perfect snack & my new fav way to use up an extra ripe banana!
Tati Chermayeff says
Lalia, I am so happy to hear this!! Love the salt addition (wow!)
Sarah says
So yummy!!!!
Kyra Morgan says
I’m OBSESSED with these bites!!! I replaced peanut butter with almond butter and OMG it was delish! So easy and is a great snack to have during busy work weeks!!
schermayeff2016 says
such a delicious snack!!!
Lisa Cornett says
So easy and good. I love them out of the freezer! So satisfying and tasty!
Tati Chermayeff says
So happy to hear this Lisa!
Rachel says
Really yummy pre workout snack or bedtime snack to have! Tastes like banana bread! Super easy recipe to follow along with and they still tastes amazing after storing them in the fridge for the week!
Chelcie says
Can normal flour be used?
Tati Chermayeff says
You can use normal flour (all-purpose), but you need to increase the ratio 1:3. So you need to add 1 and 1/4 cups of flour to get the same texture and consistency. I would start with 2/3 cup cup and see how the dough feels. Look at the pictures and adjust as needed.