BANANA BREAD CHOCOLATE CHIP OAT SNACK BARS

YIELD: 9-12 SNACK BARS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

COOK TIME: 18 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME: 33 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

•  2 1/4 cups Gluten Free rolled oats, finely ground in a blender or food processor (measure the oats before grinding)
•  1/2 teaspoon baking powder
•  1/2 teaspoon baking soda
•  1/4 teaspoon salt
•  1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
•  3 medium bananas
•  1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•  1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
•  1/4 cup honey or agave nectar
•  1/3 cup chocolate chips (optional) or replace with dairy free chips

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat an 8X8- or 9X9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ground oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
3. Add the bananas, vanilla, applesauce, and honey or agave nectar to the blender and process until smooth.
4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips (if using). Bake for 14-18 minutes until set around the edges and just barely moist in the center.

NOTES

Oats: Make sure you use gluten free oats.  I used old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe. I haven't made them using quick oats but I suspect they'll work just fine (if it were me, I'd cut down on the oats just slightly if using quick oats since they will probably measure out a bit more than the rolled oats before blending).

Source: Mel's Kitchen Cafe