Double Chocolate Banana Bread Oat Bars

I’m never embarrassed to whip out my weights and take a work out break when everyone else is out and about. I know what’s important to me and my well-being. I also pack bento lunch boxes for the plane when I’m traveling; this helps me to make sure I’m eating healthy since it can be difficult to find decent airport food.

I like using maple syrup in this recipe, but honey will leave you with a bit of a sweeter bar. To make them your own try folding in coconut, walnuts or pecans, a swirl of peanut butter, or a special artisan chocolate. I’ve seen you get creative with my recipes before, and I expect nothing less with these.

Tag your creations #ambitiouskitchen on Instagram! xo

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup gluten free oats
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon aluminum free baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 medium to large ripe bananas
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (gluten free, if desired)
• 1/4 cup honey (agave nectar or maple syrup if vegan)
• 1/3 cup vegan chocolate chips
• For chocolate drizzle:
• 2 tablespoons chocolate chips (vegan, if desired)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 9×9 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. To make oat flour: Place oats into blender or food processor and blend for 1-2 minutes until oatmeal resembles flour. You may need to stop blender and stir oats a couple of times to ensure that all oats have been blended. Transfer oat flour medium bowl; whisk in cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda; set aside.
3. Place bananas, vanilla, and honey into blender; blend 1-2 minutes or until smooth and creamy. Add to oat flour mixture and mix until just combined.
4. Gently fold in 1/3 cup of chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with rubber spatula. Bake for 15 minutes or until knife inserted into center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Cool 10-15 minutes on wire rack.
5. Prepare drizzle by adding 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30 seconds intervals until chocolate is melted; stir well to combine then drizzle over the top of bars. Cut bars into 16 squares and enjoy!

source :chocolate

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