Almond Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars (Easy Recipes)

We had a busy weekend with family visiting, four theater performances, bake sales and everything in between. Sometimes it's hard to fit it all in so yesterday afternoon, when everything was completed, I was playing catch-up. Usually part of my Sunday involves getting ready for the week ahead, hitting the grocery store and meal planning. Imagine my surprise last night when I realized I didn't have much for breakfasts. I whipped up some overnight oats for the girls, a fuel filled breakfast of oats, chia seeds and strawberries. My husband usually grabs his breakfast and goes, so eating from a mason jar while driving sounded a bit challenging. I figured it was a great opportunity to test out this Oatmeal Bar recipe. 

Almond Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients 

• 1 1/2 cups oatmeal
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 1/2 cup almond milk 
• 1 large egg, slightly beaten
• 1 ripe mashed banana
• 1/4 cup almond butter 

Directions

1. Mix together oats, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon and baking powder in bowl.
2. Add egg, milk, vanilla, almond butter and mix, then add banana and chia seeds and mix until combined
3. In lightly sprayed 8x8 baking dish, spread oat mixture and bake for 350 degrees for 20 minutes. 
4. Cut into squares and enjoy! 

Confession time: growing up, my hubby was a HUGE fan of PopTarts. Once we got married, he continued to request them, he loved starting his morning with the carb filled sugary treat. Bonus? He could keep them in his glovebox. Am I alone in thinking of you can store food in your glove compartment for months, it might not be the best option to start your day with? He gave up that habit quote a while ago, thankfully. He did, however, say they were, "were filling and tasty, kind of how my PopTarts used to be". No, no, NOT like those but definitely convenient and hearty! 

Did I mention they're even better with a cup of coffee? If you try them, be sure to let me know what you think!