Gluten-Free Banana Bread Granola Bars

What to do with that extra ripe banana?  Banana bread bars of course!  These are sweet treats without being too sinful.

(modification of original recipe from Hello Healthy)

Serves 10

• 2 cups gluten-free old fashioned rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup very ripe mashed bananas (about 2 small bananas)
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup chopped pitted dates

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare an 8 inch x 8 inch baking pan by lining it with a sheet of aluminum foil, leaving an inch+ of overhang on the sides to allow for easy removal.  Grease the foil with cooking spray and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flax, cinnamon and salt.  Add the mashed banana(s), walnuts, honey and vanilla, mixing until fully combined.  Fold in the dates.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.  Using a greased spatula, spread the mixture evenly in the pan, pressing down firmly.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top sets and edges begin to turn golden brown.

Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes.  Lift the granola bars out of the pan with the aluminum foil.  Remove the foil and return the bars to the pan.  Cut into 10 bars with a sharp knife.

Nutritional Info/Serving:  Calories 150, Fat 3 g, Protein 3 g, Carbs 21 g
21 Day Fix Container Equivalents/Serving:  1 Yellow, 0.5 Purple, 0.5 Orange