Power-Packed Morning Loaf

Ingredients

• 2 cups oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 6 tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• ¼ cup milk chocolate chips
• ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour, or as needed

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing an 8-inch square baking pan. In a bowl, mix together the oats, 1 cup of flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. In a larger bowl, whisk the milk, applesauce, honey, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, add the eggs and give it a good mix. Fold the oat mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined, and gently stir in the bananas.

Step 2

Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven for about 5 minutes – you just want it to start setting, not fully bake. Take it out and let it cool completely while you get the chocolate chips ready. Toss both kinds of chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon of flour (add a bit more if they still feel sticky) to keep them from sinking.

Step 3

Once the loaf is cool, sprinkle the coated chocolate chips evenly over it, then spread the remaining batter on top. Bake the loaf for another 35 to 45 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and the top is nicely browned. Let it cool a bit before slicing and enjoying!