Healthy Peanut Butter Bars

Are you a fan of bananas, chocolate and peanut butter? As in, IN THE SAME BITE? If you said YES, then you'll totally dig this recipe! Not only do these healthy bars contain that terrific trio, they boast hints of maple syrup and oats. I think they make an amazing breakfast (who wouldn't want to wake up to THESE?), but you can also serve them for midday snacking and dessert!

What makes these sublime bars healthy? I used coconut oil instead of butter, and replaced HALF of the fat with mashed banana. Plus, instead of refined sugar, I used pure maple syrup! And when you use mini semisweet chocolate chips, you can use fewer chips and cover a LOT of ground!

Healthy Peanut Butter Bars

Cooking spray
1 cup oats, regular or quick-cooking
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup natural peanut butter, divided
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup mashed banana, about 1 medium banana
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and spray the paper with cooking spray.
In a small bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix to combine and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the peanut butter, coconut oil, banana, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix until blended. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Beat in the oat mixture and mix until blended.
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth surface. Bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown around the edges and a wooden pick comes out clean. Remove the pan from the oven and immediately drop spoonfuls of the remaining peanut butter on top. When the peanut butter starts to melt, spread it out to make an even layer. Sprinkle the top with the the chocolate chips.
Let cool until the peanut butter sets up.
Cut into bars and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Makes 18-20 bars