Healthy Banana Oat Bread Bars

So I've always been a fan of banana bread because who isn't, really? And I'm always up for trying new variations of banana bread. So when I saw this recipe I was instantly intrigued. Even though it took me a while to try them, I can now say I'm hooked. These bars are soft, fluffy, sweet, flavorful and filling. The perfect healthy snack. And dare I say better than banana bread?? I think so.

These are so easy to whip together and will make your whole family happy. My picky 3-year-old loved them and so did my husband. We finished the whole plan in a day so if you have a large family, it'd be a good idea to double the recipe. They really are amazing and you should make them as soon as the bananas sitting on your counter turn the perfect brown.

Healthy Banana Oat Bread Bars

Slightly Adapted from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe

2 1/4 cups rolled oats, finely ground in a blender or food processor (measure the oats before grinding)

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

3 medium ripe bananas

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup honey

1/4-1/3 cup chocolate chips 

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 to a blender and process until smooth.

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.

4. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake for 14-18 minutes until set around the edges and barely moist in the center.