Banana And Peanut Butter Chew Sticks

The smell of ripe bananas and warm peanut butter brings back one of my favorite rainy afternoons with my kids. We were stuck inside, the kind of day where board games had lost their charm, and everyone was slightly restless. That’s when I pulled out an old recipe card from my friend Julia and said, “Let’s try something new.” That “new” turned into a batch of Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Sticks — and a memory that still makes me smile.

Making these chew sticks reminded me of why I started cooking in the first place. Not just to feed my family, but to connect with them. The kitchen has always been my comfort zone, and when I get to bring my kids into that space, it feels like I’m handing down something more than recipes — I’m passing along joy, curiosity, and yes, the occasional sticky mess.

These sticks are ridiculously simple. But don’t let that fool you — they’re full of flavor and texture. Crunchy edges, soft middles, and a creamy banana-peanut combo that feels like a warm hug. They’re also naturally sweet, so you won’t need added sugar to make this snack shine.

They’re the kind of treat you don’t need a reason to make. A little after-school pick-me-up. A homemade gift for a friend. Or maybe just something for you, made with love and eaten warm, straight from the tray.

Short Description

Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Sticks are chewy, lightly crisped snack bars made with mashed bananas, creamy peanut butter, oats, and whole wheat flour. They’re kid-friendly, naturally sweet, and easy to whip up in under an hour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas – mashed well
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter – unsweetened if possible
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup rolled oats – not quick oats

Tools & Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Fork or masher
• Rolling pin
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper or non-stick baking mat
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter

How To Make Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Sticks

Step 1: Mash and Mix
Start by peeling and mashing your bananas in a large bowl until smooth. Add the peanut butter and stir until fully combined — it’ll look creamy and a bit thick.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Mix in the whole wheat flour and rolled oats. Stir until it forms a sticky but workable dough. If the mixture is too wet, let it rest for 5 minutes so the oats absorb some moisture.

Step 3: Roll and Shape
Dust your countertop with a little flour. Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Slice into narrow sticks using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. You can shape them however you like, but I usually go for finger-length pieces for easy snacking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking tray with parchment paper and arrange the sticks with some space in between. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden on the edges and firm in the center. Let them cool slightly before serving — they’ll firm up more as they rest.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These chew sticks are perfect for lunchboxes, road trips, or post-play snacks. I love dipping them in plain yogurt or serving them with a glass of cold milk.

They’re also great alongside a smoothie bowl or crumbled on top of oatmeal for a little chew and crunch.

They make thoughtful homemade treats for dog owners too — just be sure to double-check the peanut butter has no xylitol if you’re making them pet-safe.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight jar or container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave to soften.

Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight or warm gently in the oven.

To Reheat: Microwave for 10–12 seconds or pop in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use extra-ripe bananas — the ones with brown spots — for the best flavor and natural sweetness.

Don’t overmix the dough. Stir until just combined to keep the texture soft and chewy.

Let the oats sit in the mixture for a few minutes before rolling if it feels too wet. They’ll soak up excess moisture.

Bake longer if you prefer crunchier edges. Just a few extra minutes can make a big difference in texture.

Try a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of salt to elevate the flavor if you want something more cozy or balanced.

Recipe Variations

1. Cinnamon Raisin Version.
Mix in ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ¼ cup of raisins. This combination brings a warm, familiar flavor that’s reminiscent of a chewy oatmeal cookie — sweet, spiced, and perfectly comforting.

2. Chocolate Peanut Crunch.
Add a handful of mini chocolate chips and chopped roasted peanuts to the dough. This twist turns the chew sticks into a dessert-style snack with rich, nutty depth.

3. Almond Banana Chews.
Replace peanut butter with almond butter and swap the oats for chopped almonds. It creates a grain-free version with a hearty bite and natural sweetness.

4. Dog-Friendly Version.
Use peanut butter, mashed banana, and oat flour only. Skip any added sweeteners and roll into smaller portions. A wholesome homemade treat for your furry friend.

Estimated Nutrition Info (per stick, makes 12)

Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 3g | Carbs: 16g | Fat: 5g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but it’ll make the texture slightly softer and less chewy.

2. Is this recipe safe for toddlers?
Yes, as long as they don’t have nut allergies and the chew sticks are soft enough to bite safely.

3. Can I freeze the dough instead of baking it all at once?
You can! Just shape the dough into sticks and freeze on a tray before storing in a freezer bag.

4. What if I don’t have whole wheat flour?
You can use all-purpose flour or oat flour. The texture will change slightly, but it still works.

5. Can I make these sweeter?
Sure — add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to the mix. Just reduce the banana slightly to balance the moisture.

Conclusion

I loved how this recipe brought my family together in such a simple, joy-filled way. There’s a quiet kind of satisfaction in seeing your kids take pride in something they helped make — even if it left a trail of flour on the floor and peanut butter smudges everywhere.

These chew sticks might not look fancy, but they’ve got heart. And sometimes, that’s all a snack really needs. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out — and don’t be shy about sharing your own twist on it!