Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 8” x 8” baking pan with parchment paper.

Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Stir in the creamy peanut butter, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract.

Transfer the oats, sea salt, and cinnamon (dry ingredients) to the large bowl with the wet ingredients and stir until a thick dough forms. If adding, stir in the chocolate chips until they are well-incorporated throughout the dough.

Spread the banana peanut butter oat mixture into the prepared baking pan and use a rubber spatula to spread it into an even layer. If you’d like, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top of the batter.

Place the baking dish on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the healthy banana oatmeal bars are golden brown around the edges and feel firm when gently poked.

Allow the bars to cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.