Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping:
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, almond flour, cinnamon, and sea salt, ensuring the dry ingredients are well mixed.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, and stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined and creamy.
Step 4:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix well until all components are fully incorporated and the mixture is even.
Step 5:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly, pressing down with a spatula to compact it slightly which helps in forming firm bars.
Variation:
For a nut-free version, omit the almond flour and substitute with oat flour or increase the rolled oats, and use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter.
Notes
The baking time can vary slightly based on the moisture content of the bananas and the type of peanut butter used. Keep an eye on the oven towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these bars as a standalone snack, pair with a glass of milk, or crumble over yogurt for a delightful breakfast.
Tips:
- For crunchier bars, add a handful of chopped nuts to the mixture before baking.
- Ensure the bananas are very ripe for the best natural sweetness and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 190
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Protein: 5 grams