Peanut Butter & Banana Oat Bars

These are not proper granola bars. They're soft, chewy, and held together by mashed banana and peanut butter. They require no baking if you don't want to, though I prefer them baked. They travel well, freeze well, and are the kind of thing you can grab when you've forgotten to eat breakfast and it's already 11am.

Ingredients (Makes 8 bars):

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 150g rolled oats
• 3 tbsp peanut butter (the drippy kind)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• A handful of dark chocolate chips or chopped peanuts (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Line a small baking tin with parchment.
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the tin. Smooth the top.
4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden at the edges.
5. Leave to cool completely in the tin before slicing into bars. They firm up as they cool.
6. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze.

Why it's gut-friendly: Oats provide prebiotic fibre. Bananas add potassium and natural sweetness. Peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats. No refined sugar. They're gentle on the stomach.