Banana Oat Bars

By peridot728

Bananas are one of a few super fruits, packed with vitamins, natural benefits, and flavor! Add in some oats and in a few minutes you have a delicious snack with no added sugar! YUM!

Ingredients

• 2 large, very ripe bananas
• 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1/4 cup pitted, chopped dried dates
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts — such as walnuts, hazelnuts, or pecans
• Grated nutmeg or cinnamon (optional)
• you can also add flax seed if you want or if you want a little more sweetness you could add a handful of chocolate chips or cinnamon chips. You could add shredded coconut, too, or raisins.

Preparation

Step 1

Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9-x9-inch square baking dish with olive oil or butter.

Peel the bananas and mash their flesh in a medium mixing bowl. Mash very thoroughly until no large chunks remain; the bananas should be essentially liquid. (You will have between 1 cup and 1 1/4 cup.) Stir in the vanilla, if using. Add the oats and stir them in. Stir in the salt, dates, and nuts.

Pat the thick mixture evenly into the baking pan. If desired, sprinkle the top lightly with nutmeg or cinnamon. Bake for 30 minutes or until the edges just begin to crisp up.

Place the baking pan on a rack to cool. When the pan is mostly cool, cut into bars and enjoy with a glass of milk or tea.

Store leftover bars at room temperature. They will keep for about 5 days.