Protein Bars

• Cooking spray

• 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats

• 1/4 cup wheat germ

• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed

• 2 tablespoons vanilla-flavored hemp protein powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 3 bananas

• 1/4 cup peanut butter

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (or to taste)

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 F (190 C). Line an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, letting the foil hang over the sides. Spray the pan with cooking spray.

Step 2: Stir together the oats, wheat germ, flaxseed, protein powder, cinnamon and salt in a bowl. In a separate large bowl, mash the bananas. Stir in 1/4 cup peanut butter, honey and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and mix well. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and spread 1/4 cup natural peanut butter over the top.

Step 4: Return to the oven and continue baking for 10 more minutes, or until lightly browned on the edges and set. Let cool in the pan. Lift the bars out using the foil overhang and place on a work surface. Cut into bars, wrap in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.