Ingredients:

  • 3 large overripe bananas
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas using a fork or potato masher until liquidy with only small lumps remaining.
  3. Whisk the egg, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup into the mashed bananas until the mixture is smooth and fully emulsified.
  4. Add the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and sea salt directly into the wet mixture. Stir with a spatula until every oat is thoroughly coated.
  5. Fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
  6. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
  7. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes to let them set (the residual heat rest) before slicing into 12 bars.