Banana Oat Bars

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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.