Directions:
### Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup coconut peanut butter (or regular peanut butter with a tablespoon of coconut flakes)
- 2 tbsp ground flax seeds
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or seeds (optional for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips (optional, for a sweeter treat)
### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the oven** to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish (8x8 or similar) with parchment paper.
2. **Mash the bananas** in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
3. **Add the coconut peanut butter** and mix well. Stir in honey or maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract, and the scoop of chocolate protein powder.
4. **Mix in the dry ingredients**: add the rolled oats, flax seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Stir everything until evenly combined. If you're using chopped nuts or chocolate chips, fold those in at this point.
5. **Spread the mixture** evenly in the prepared baking dish. Press down firmly to ensure the bars hold together well when baked.
6. **Bake for 20-25 minutes**, or until the edges are golden brown and the bars feel firm to the touch.
7. **Cool completely** in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars. For extra crunch, you can put them in the fridge after cooling for 10-15 minutes.
### Optional Variations:
- Swap flax seeds for chia seeds.
- Add a handful of dried fruit like raisins or cranberries.
- For an extra dose of chocolate, drizzle some melted dark chocolate on top after baking.
These bars are perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on the go, packed with protein and fiber!
