Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bites: Your New Go-To Gluten-Free Snack

Okay, let's dive into a gluten-free snack adventure! Think sunshine, happy taste buds, and that satisfying feeling of knowing you're nourishing your body with something delicious AND healthy. Today, we're not just making snacks, we're crafting little pockets of joy – because who says gluten-free can't be fun, easy, and absolutely scrumptious?
Let me tell you, finding good gluten-free snacks can sometimes feel like searching for a unicorn. I've been there, wandering the aisles, feeling a bit defeated. That's why I've become a bit obsessed with creating simple, flavorful, go-to recipes that make my life, and hopefully yours, easier (and tastier!). Today, we're making my absolute favorite: Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bites. They're chewy, naturally sweet, and can be whipped up faster than you can say "snack time!" These little guys are perfect for a quick breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a post-workout refuel. I really think you're going to love them as much as I do. Ready? Let's get started!
These bites are so versatile. Need them for a kid's school lunch? Perfect! Craving a dessert-like treat that won't derail your health goals? These are it! The best part? They require only a handful of ingredients and no baking, which makes them the absolute MVP in my snack repertoire.
Recipe Card
Prep time: 15 minutes | Chill time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Yields: ~ 15-20 bites
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats (make sure they are certified if needed)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or other nut/seed butter of your choice)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional, but adds a lovely texture)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (for extra fiber and binding)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness - adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- Pinch of salt (to enhance the flavors)
- Nut-Free? Use sunflower seed butter, tahini, or wow butter in place of the peanut butter.
- Sweetness Level Adjustments: If your bananas are extra ripe, you might not need the added honey/maple syrup. Taste the mixture and adjust.
- Texture Lovers: Add a handful of chopped nuts, gluten-free chocolate chips, or dried cranberries for a boost of flavor and texture!
- Rolled Oats vs Instant Oats: For the best texture, stick with rolled oats. Instant oats tend to get a little mushy in this recipe.
- No coconut? That's okay! Just add a tiny bit more of the oats to compensate or leave out all together.
Instructions:
- Prep the Bananas: Start by mashing your ripe bananas in a medium-sized bowl. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and easier to mash they become, and the better the flavor. It's a great way to use up those over-ripe bananas that are just hanging around, looking sad and spotty. You'll want them to be smooth, so get out your aggressions!
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the peanut butter (or your chosen alternative), honey or maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract, along with that pinch of salt to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until well combined. You'll start to see a lovely, gloopy mess forming. This is perfect!
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Next, toss in your gluten-free rolled oats, shredded coconut (if you're using it), and chia seeds. Give everything a good stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture starts to look like a thick, sticky dough. The chia seeds will help bind everything together as they soak up the moisture.
- Rest and Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and stick it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is essential – it helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to roll into cute little bites. I've definitely skipped this step and ended up with sticky fingers for days! (You've been warned.)
- Roll into Bites: Remove the mixture from the fridge and, using a spoon or your hands, scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of the dough and roll it into a ball. You can make them smaller, but I like the larger ones for a more substantial snack. Feel free to get creative with the shape! I've even made hearts and little logs for fun.
- Optional Toppings: You can roll your finished bites in extra coconut, chopped nuts, or even a light dusting of cocoa powder, if you'd like.
- Enjoy! Store your peanut butter banana oat bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week (if they last that long!). They're also freezer-friendly, so you can make a big batch and pull them out whenever you need a quick and healthy snack.
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Tips & Tricks for Perfect Bites
- For Extra Chewy Bites: Don't over-chill the mixture. 30 minutes is the sweet spot, otherwise, they can become a bit too dense.
- Spice it Up: Try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mix for a warmer, more complex flavor profile.
- Chocolate Lovers Delight: Throw in some dairy-free chocolate chips and a spoonful of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist!
- Make it a Family Affair: Let the kids help with mixing and rolling. It's a great way to get them involved in the kitchen and eating healthy.
- On-the-Go Snack: These are perfect for packing in lunchboxes or taking along on a hike and bike ride. Pop them in a container and you're good to go!
Product Recommendations
If you're looking to invest in kitchen tools to make your life easier, a good quality stand mixer can definitely make things easier, especially if you enjoy baking! It can handle the banana mashing with ease! Also, to keep your gluten-free snacks safe, I highly recommend a great set of glass food storage containers.
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