Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups rolled oats
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

03 - 1 1/3 cups mashed ripe banana
04 - 6 tablespoons water
05 - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, agave, or honey
06 - 3 tablespoons neutral oil, nut butter, or additional water
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Optional Add-Ins

08 - Handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper or grease thoroughly.
02 - In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, mashed banana, water, salt, maple syrup, oil or nut butter, and vanilla extract. Stir well until thoroughly incorporated.
03 - Spread the oat mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle chocolate chips or nuts on top, if using.
04 - Bake for 20 minutes. Without opening the oven door, turn off the heat and let the bars rest inside the closed oven for an additional 5 minutes.
05 - Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan. Slice into 6 to 9 bars once cooled. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

# Notes:

01 - For a banana-free variation, substitute with baked oats as needed.