Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
Step 2:
In a mixing bowl, blend the mashed bananas, peanut butter, and maple syrup until smooth. This mixture forms the wet base of your bars.
Step 3:
Add the rolled oats, oat flour, baking soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the banana mixture. Stir until well combined, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4:
Fold in the chocolate chips. This step can be customized with other additions such as nuts or dried fruit, depending on your preference.
Step 5:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This ensures that the bars cook uniformly.
Step 6:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7:
Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares. This cooling time helps the bars set and makes them easier to cut.
Variation
Try substituting the peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or to accommodate nut allergies.
Notes
The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s important to start checking the bars at the 20-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these bars as a standalone snack, pair them with a glass of milk, or crumble them over yogurt for a delicious breakfast.
Tips:
- Ensure that the bananas are very ripe for the best natural sweetness and texture.
- If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more mashed banana or a tablespoon of milk to adjust the consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 180 per bar
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Protein: 4 grams