Peanut Butter Banana Bars

Enjoy these Peanut Butter Banana Bars as a delicious snack or dessert!

Ingredients:

For the Bars:

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

For the Peanut Butter Frosting (Optional):

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil

Instructions:

For the Bars:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a baking pan (8x8 inches or similar size).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If desired, fold in chocolate chips.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the bars to cool completely before adding frosting.

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and melted coconut oil until smooth.
2. Once the bars have cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting over the top.
3. Allow the frosting to set, then cut the bars into squares.