Wholesome bars combining blueberries, banana, oats, and protein for a convenient nutritious boost.
# Components:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
→ Wet Ingredients
06 - 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
07 - 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup
08 - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
11 - 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
→ Mix-Ins
12 - 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
# Method:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, protein powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
03 - In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add honey or maple syrup, applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil, whisking until fully combined.
04 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
05 - Carefully fold in the blueberries, ensuring minimal stirring if using frozen.
06 - Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until the bars turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before using the parchment paper to lift them out. Cut into 12 equal bars.
