Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Filling and kid-friendly, these easy homemade baked Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are yummy, hearty and guaranteed to keep you powered for hours.

Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned oats

1 cup whole wheat flour

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

1 1/2 cups milk or milk alternative

3 T honey

2 T peanut butter

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 large egg

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 medium banana, diced

Procedure

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat an 8 by 8 inch square pan with cooking spray.

2. In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, flour, cinnamon, baking powder and salt.

3. In a separate large bowl, combine the milk, applesauce, egg, honey, peanut butter and vanilla.

4. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir to combine. The batter will be very wet.

5. Fold in the banana, then pour into the prepared baking pan.

6. Bake for 35 minutes or until thickened and golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool, cut into bars and serve.

Once cooled, bars can be wrapped in plastic and kept in the refrigerator for five days. Or, freeze in a zippered bag for up to four months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 to 28 hours before serving. Makes eight bars.