Strawberry Banana Oat Bars

Ingredients
Strawberry Chia Jam
2 cups (350g) frozen strawberries* 
2 tablespoons (30ml) maple syrup
2 tablespoons (14g) chia seeds
1 tsp vanilla extract

Banana Oat Bars
2 cups (160g) rolled oats, divided
1 tsp baking powder
2 medium-sized ripe bananas, mashed (200g or 1 cup)
1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
Strawberry Chia Jam
Add strawberries and maple syrup to a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Heat until the berries begin to release their liquid, about 5 - 15 minutes depending on whether they were thawed first. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until berries begin to break down and thicken, about 5 - 10 minutes. Use your spoon to break them apart further if desired.

Stir in the chia seeds and vanilla, continuing to cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the jam to cool. It will continue to thicken the longer it sits.

Banana Oat Bars
Preheat oven to 190 degrees Celsius and prepare a 20 x 20cm baking dish by lining with baking paper.

Place 1 cup of oats in a food processor and process until resembles a fine flour. Transfer the oat flour to a large mixing bowl, and add the remaining rolled oats and baking powder, mixing well.

Add the mashed bananas, maple syrup and vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined and a dough is formed.

Transfer 2/3 of the mixture into your prepared baking pan, using your fingers or a spatula to ensure that it is pressed down tightly and evenly. Spoon chia jam over the surface, and use a spatula or knife to spread it evenly, making sure to only go within 1/4 of the edge to prevent jam from burning. Sprinkle remaining oat mixture on top, breaking bigger chunks and pressing down lightly.

Bake for 30 minutes until the top turns a light golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to fully cool in pan before cutting into bars.

Notes
* you can easily substitute strawberries for your favourite fruits