Oatmeal Snack Bars

Ingredients

• oil - to prepare baking dish
• 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats - divided
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 banana - large
• 1 cup milk - any milk will work
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup applesauce
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup pecans - roughly chopped
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries - low/no sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
2. Add half the oats to a food processor and blend until the oats reach a flour consistency.
3. Add the processed oats, remaining oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt to a bowl and mix well.
4. Using a fork, mash the banana completely. Add the milk, maple syrup, applesauce, egg, and vanilla. Whisk until completely combined.
5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix.
6. Add the pecans and cranberries to the batter until evenly distributed.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
8. Let cool for 10-15 minutes. Serve immediately or store in air tight container.

Nutrition (per serving)