Ingredients
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
– 1/2 cup almond or peanut butter (or any nut butter you prefer)
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (or raisins if you want to keep it healthier)
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or seeds (like chia or flax seeds)
Equipment Needed
– Large mixing bowl
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
– Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
– Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
First things first, I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) while I gather my ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the rolled oats, ripe bananas, and nut butter. I find that using a fork to mash the bananas directly in the bowl makes it easier. It’s quite a fun, messy task! As these ingredients blend together, I can already start to smell the sweetness wafting through my kitchen. Once I have a smooth consistency, I add the honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking soda, and cinnamon. Mixing all these ingredients makes such a lovely batter that I could almost eat it straight! (See the next page below to continue steps…)