Soft, chewy oatmeal bars with sweet mashed banana, pure maple syrup, and vanilla. Perfect for breakfast or healthy snacking.
# Components:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups rolled oats
02 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Wet Ingredients
03 - 1 1/3 cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 medium bananas)
04 - 6 tbsp water
05 - 3 tbsp pure maple syrup, agave, or honey, or stevia equivalent
06 - 3 tbsp oil (such as coconut, vegetable), nut butter, or additional water
07 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
→ Optional Mix-Ins
08 - 1/3 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or seeds
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper or grease well.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and salt.
03 - Add the mashed banana, water, maple syrup (or other sweetener), oil (or nut butter or extra water), and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir until evenly combined.
04 - Fold in any optional mix-ins such as chocolate chips or nuts.
05 - Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips or nuts on top if desired.
06 - Bake for 20 minutes. Turn off the oven (do not open the door) and let the bars sit inside the closed oven for an additional 5 minutes to set.
07 - Remove from the oven, allow to cool completely, then slice into 6–9 bars.
08 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
