Making 7-Ingredient Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars is simple. Follow these steps for a successful batch every time:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking.
2. Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth using a fork or a potato masher. Aim for a creamy texture with minimal lumps.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until the mixture is combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until fully incorporated, ensuring there are no dry patches.
6. Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. This step helps prevent sticking.
7. Transfer Mixture: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
8. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Cut and Serve: Once cooled, cut into bars of your desired size.

By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly delicious bars ready to enjoy!