Banana, Apricot and Date Oat Bars with Yogurt

Ingredients:

• 3 large ripe bananas

• 3 cups traditional rolled oats

• 1/4 cup finely chopped dried dates

• 1/4 cup finely chopped dried apricots

• 1/4 cup slivered almonds

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• High-protein yogurt for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

   • Grease or line a baking dish with baking paper, ensuring it overhangs on the sides for easy removal later.

2. Mash Bananas:

   • Peel the ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl.

   • Use a fork or a potato masher to thoroughly mash the bananas until smooth.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the rolled oats, finely chopped dates, finely chopped apricots, slivered almonds, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas in the mixing bowl.

   • Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined. The mixture should be sticky and hold together when pressed.

4. Press Mixture into Pan:

   • Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

   • Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish.

5. Bake:

   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the dish.

6. Cool and Slice:

   • Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

   • Using the overhanging baking paper, carefully lift the bars out of the dish and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Serve:

   • Once cooled, slice the oat bars into squares or rectangles.

   • Serve the bars with a serve of high-protein yogurt on the side.

These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.