Soft - Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars

I always struggle when I have to toss extra ripe bananas; I try to freeze them for smoothies or something else or bake something. Baking is not my specialty but I do love to eat baked goods so I think this recipe is right up my alley because it is #1 Simple, #2 Mostly healthy ingredients and #3 Quick. 

Ingredients: 

1 cup mashed banana (3 medium bananas)

1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)

2/3 cup honey 

1 egg (lightly beaten)

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups rolled oats 

1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour 

1/2 tsp cinnamon 

1/2 tsp salt 

1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional) or Chocolate Chips or even a little PB

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 F, making sure oven rack is in the center for baking. Grease a 9x13 baking dish with coconut oil or whatever your preference is for greasing a pan or dish. 

In a large bowl, beat together the mashed bananas, coconut oil (melted), honey, egg and vanilla. 

In a separate bowl mix together the dry ingredients. When mixed combine the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. 

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top so the bars are the same thickness in the pan. Bake 18 - 22 minutes or until the edges turn a golden brown. 

Allow to cool 10 minutes before slicing into bars. Cool completely if storing in an airtight container, if there are any left. 

*Recipe adapted from https://www.fivehearthome.com