Banana Bread Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients

• 4 ripe bananas (mashed; the browner and riper, the sweeter the bars)
• 2 eggs
• 3 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup almond butter
• 0.667 cup maple syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips (plus a few extra for sprinkling on top, if desired)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. For easier fitting, crumple the parchment into a ball first, then flatten it and press it into the corners of the pan.

2. 2

   Place the mashed bananas, eggs, rolled oats, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and chocolate chips in a large mixing bowl.

3. 3

   Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined and no dry pockets of oats remain.

4. 4

   Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer, pressing it gently into the corners.

5. 5

   If desired, sprinkle a few additional chocolate chips over the surface.

6. 6

   Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, until the center is completely set and the edges are lightly golden. The kitchen should smell like fresh banana bread when the bars are nearly done.

7. 7

   Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into squares or bars.

Notes

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap the bars individually and freeze them. Reheat a frozen or chilled bar in the microwave for 20–30 seconds before serving.

Nutrition per serving

• breakfast
• snack
• baked
• make-ahead
• freezer-friendly
• kid-friendly
• vegetarian
• back-to-school