Technically Galentine's Day has passed, but I'm celebrating Saturday so it still feels like this week is Parks and Rec domain. Instead of going full Leslie Knope and having dessert for every meal, or just straight sugar for the week, I decided to make something a little healthier, if not just as delicious. If I was going to follow the actual NutriYum recipe, it would really be just sugar because according to Ann, it is a block of sugar. I decided to not go that route, but that doesn't mean they aren't tasty and filling. With just six ingredients, these bars are super easy and make a great snack or breakfast on the go. Despite the fact that there is no added sugar (besides the peanut butter if you use sugary peanut butter), I still think Leslie would eat a case of them and be really hyper if she was doing an all night fundraiser.
Banana Peanut Butter Snack Bars
inspired by season 2, episode 22
makes 8-10 bars
- 3 ripe bananas*
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups oats
- 1/2 cup nuts of choice (optional), chopped
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
Mix the bananas, peanut butter, honey, cinnamon and vanilla together using a stand or hand mixer until smooth. Add oats, nuts and chocolate chips until combined.
Pour the mixture into a parchment-lined 8x8 baking dish. Smooth it out until it's an even thickness and flat on top. Bake for 30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool completely and cut into bars. Wrap individually. These can be frozen for up to six months.
*make sure the bananas are really banana-bread level ripe. If they aren't, it will really affect the taste!
recipe adapted from bowlofdelicious.com.
[made while watching Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (season 2).]