Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Bars

Step 1

Add strawberries and maple syrup to a saucepan on medium heat.

Step 2

Heat until the berries begin to liquid, about 10 minutes.

Step 3

Bring to a boil and cook for an additional 5 -10 minutes stirring occasionally until berries begin to thicken and become more

Step 4

Use a spoon to mash them a little.

Step 5

Stir in the vanilla and cook for another 5 minutes.

Step 6

Remove from heat and allow the jam to cool for about 20-30 minutes to thicken it even more.

Step 7

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 8

Line an 8 x 8 baking dish with parchment paper

Step 9

Place 1 cup of oats in a food processor (or blender) and pulse for 1 minute or until they look like flour.

Step 10

Transfer the oat flour to a large mixing bowl, and add the remaining 1 cup of oatmeal and baking powder and mix well

Step 11

Add the mashed bananas, maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla extract.

Step 12

Mix thoroughly to combine.

Step 13

Transfer ½ of the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press the mixture into the corners and flatten with the back of a spoon.

Step 14

Spoon the jam over the oat mixture and spread evenly with a spoon or spatula. Spread to within about ¼ inch of the oatmeal mixture so the edge of the the jam doesn't burn.

Step 15

Spoon the remaining oatmeal mixture on top of the jam in big spoonfuls. Then spread the spoonfuls out lightly.

Step 16

Bake for 30 minutes or until the top turns a light golden brown.

Step 17

Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in pan before cutting into bars.

Step 18

Optional - use ¾ cup all-natural store bought jam if you want to skip making your own.