Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a small overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
2. Peel your overripe bananas and mash them thoroughly in a large mixing bowl with a fork or potato masher until smooth with only tiny fruit flecks remaining.
3. Add the creamy nut butter, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the bowl with the mashed bananas. Whisk together until completely smooth and incorporated.
4. Add the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt directly into the bowl. Use a spatula to stir everything together until the oats have fully absorbed the moisture.
5. Gently fold in your selected mix-ins (like chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or dried cranberries) with your spatula so they are evenly distributed.
6. Transfer the thick batter into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of your spatula or damp fingers to press the mixture firmly and tightly into all four corners.
7. Bake in the center rack of your oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and the center is firm to the touch.
8. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before lifting them out of the pan using the parchment paper handles to slice into squares.