Banana Oatmeal Protein Bars - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
1 cup mashed banana
2/3 cup vanilla protein powder (such as Muscletech Whey Protein Plus(R))
1/2 cup peanut butter, slightly melted
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries (such as Craisins(R))
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(R) Sweet&Spicy(R)
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup coconut, or to taste (optional)

Preparation

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.