Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup drippy almond butter (e.g., Wild Friends almond butter)
- ½ cup mashed ripe banana
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 Tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Add-ins and Toppings
- ½ cup chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, mashed banana, pure maple syrup, ground flaxseed, and vanilla bean paste. Whisk together thoroughly until well blended and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, baking powder, and sea salt to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir everything together until the oats are evenly coated and the mixture forms a batter.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips gently so they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer to Baking Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Smooth the surface with a spatula and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor. Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top for a subtle savory contrast.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 squares. Serve and enjoy as a nutritious snack or breakfast treat.
Notes
- Ensure the almond butter is drippy and easy to mix; if it’s too thick, you can warm it slightly.
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
- The ground flaxseed acts as a binder and adds nutritional value including fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a vegan option, ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- You can customize the bars by adding nuts or dried fruits if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian