Banana Oat Bars
Ingredients
- 4 large ripe bananas, mashed
- ¾ cup peanut butter
- 2-¾ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2-½ cups dark chocolate chips (see notes)
To Boost Flavors (ortional):
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ½ cup nuts, chopped
To Boost Protein (optional):
- ½ cup hemp seeds (see notes)
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder (see notes)
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 °F.
- Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper; slightly oil the paper with cooking spray; set aside.
- Mash the ripe banana, pack in measuring cups to get exactly 2 cups.
- Place the mashed bananas in a mixing bowl, add peanut butter, oats and chocolate chips; stir very well until it's consistently combined and thick.
- Pour into the prepared baking pan, press evenly and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top, if desired.
- Place in the pre-heated oven and bake for 30 – 40 minutes until dry and golden on top.
- Remove from the oven and allow the pan cool down for 15 minutes,
- Lift the overhanging pieces of parchment paper to release the oats onto a cooling rack.
- Let it cool completely for 2 – 3 hours before slicing.
- Slice and serve on a plate for breakfast with fruits, yogurt or plain.
Notes
Swap the chocolate chips for chopped nuts (chopped walnuts, almonds, etc.) or shredded coconut, dried cranberries or seeds (hemp seeds) for a boost of protein.
Stir in 1/4 cup vanilla pea protein powder – the bars will be drier and firmer with this option unless you stir in an extra 1/4 cup almond milk.
Other options to boost protein is to add 1/2 cup hemp seeds or sunflower seeds.
Store the bars in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to 5 days; freeze them in Ziploc bags and thaw in the refrigerator the day before planning on eating.