Banana Oatmeal Protein Bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup mashed banana
• 2/3 cup vanilla protein powder (such as Muscletech Whey Protein Plus)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter, slightly melted
• 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries (such as Craisins)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped raw almonds
• 1/4 cup brewed sweet and spicy black tea (such as Good Earth Sweet&Spicy
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup coconut, or to taste (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch square pan.

Mix oats, banana, protein powder, peanut butter, cranberries, 1/2 cup coconut, almonds, tea, chia seeds, cinnamon, and vanilla together in a large mixing bowl; spread into prepared pan. Top with 1/4 cup coconut.

Bake bars until lightly browned, 25 to 30 minutes. Set aside to cool until they set completely, at least 15 minutes.