BANANA BREAD CHOCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL BARS

Prep time | 10 mins

Cook time | 25 mins

Total time | 35 mins

Ingredients

• 3 cups regular oats (not quick oats)

• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 3 bananas, mashed

• ⅓ cup maple syrup

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce

• ½ cup chocolate chunks

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Spray a 9x9 baking dish with cooking spray and cover with parchment paper. (this will help you remove the bars more easily later)

3. To a food processor add 1½ cups of the regular oats. Blend until the oats become more of an oat flour or powder, about 1-2 minutes. Pour oat flour into a medium bowl with the remaining whole oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

4. To a large bowl, add finely mashed banana, maple syrup, vanilla extract and apple sauce. Whisk together until combined.

5. Slowly add the wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Fold in the chocolate chunks.

6. Add oatmeal mixture to prepared 9x9 baking dish.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until top is golden brown and toothpick test comes out clean.

8. Serve!