Step 1

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place oats on a baking sheet and toast until lightly browned, stirring once (about 4 to 6 minutes). Let cool to room temperature. (If you are in a hurry you can skip this step, however the toasting adds flavor!)

Step 2

Reserve 1 Tbsp of oats for muffin tops. Place remaining oats in food processor and pulse until they reach a rough, flour like consistency.

Step 3

Turn oven heat up to 350 degrees.

Step 4

Mash bananas well, they should have no lumps. (I use my mixer to mash them before adding the other wet ingredients.) Add eggs, maple syrup, zucchini, and vanilla. Mix to combine.

Step 5

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just incorporated.

Step 6

Allow mixture to rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the oats to soften and soak up the liquids. (It should look thicker after resting.)

Step 7

Optional: Fold in 1/3 c mini chocolate chips or nuts.

Step 8

Scoop into muffin tin  (greased or lined with muffin wrappers). The muffins should be about 7/8 full, recipe makes 14 muffins.

Step 9

Sprinkle muffin tops with the 1 Tbsp of reserved oats and 1 Tbsp mini chocolate chips (if using), press lightly to make sure they stick.

Step 10

Bake at 350 for 35 -45 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin should come out clean.