We go through food phases around here. Particularly with bananas. It seems like we can't get enough and then all of a sudden I have two bunches of over ripe bananas. I'm not a huge fan of banana bread and wanted something different. Enter these bars. They are yummy, Cameron approved and healthy. Win!!! John has even taken them on some of his long runs.
Banana Oat Snack Bars
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
2 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups puffed rice cereal, like Rice Krispies
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 very ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup peanut or other nut butter (I used Sunbutter)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment or foil, leaving a slight overhang on each of the long edges. Lightly coat the pan with cooking spray and set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, rice cereal, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon, stirring well to combine. In a second large bowl, combine the banana, honey, yogurt, nut butter, and vanilla. Whisk together until the mixture is fairly uniform and smooth.
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ones and stir until they come together. Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Transfer to the prepared pan and flatten down lightly with a spatula or your hands. Bake for anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. I baked mine for only 15-18 minutes because I wanted them soft like a cookie. If you want them firm and golden, continue baking until they are starting to brown on the top, more like 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely before removing from the pan and cutting into squares.
Source: Mel's Kitchen Cafe
