Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy lifting.

Step 2

In your blender or food processor, add 1/2 cup of oats and blend to make oat flour. Transfer oat flour into a large bowl.

Step 3

Add the remaining oats, cinnamon to the large bowl.

Step 4

In a blender, place the coconut oil, honey, banana, and vanilla. Blend until smooth. Add the egg and blend on low speed to incorporate.

Step 5

Pour the wet ingredients into the large oat bowl and using a wooden spoon, stir until well combined. Add in the chocolate chips, if using.

Step 6

Transfer the thick oat mixture into the prepared pan. Take another piece of parchment paper and place it on top of the oat mixture, press down to spread the oat mixture throughout the pan.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 32-35 minutes, until set and lightly golden. Remove pan from the oven and allow it to cool down completely. Refrigerate pan for an hour before slicing.

Step 8

When ready to slice into bars, use the parchment paper to lift the baked bars out of the pan and slice into squares with a knife.

Step 9

Refrigerate leftover granola squares in an airtight container for up to one week and in the freezer up to a month.