Banana Almond Oat Breakfast Bars with Crushed Oats

1.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

2.In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth using a fork or potato masher.

3.Add the almond flour, crushed oats, ground cinnamon, salt, honey (or maple syrup), almond milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined and a thick batter forms.

4.If using, fold in the chopped almonds for added texture and flavor.

5.Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

6.Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7.Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.