Everything Banana Bars

 
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 large eggs

2 cups quick-cooking oats

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (very ripe)

1 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)

Topping:

1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

1/2 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Spray a 9- by 13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.

To make the bread batter, cream the butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer, until it is light and fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Beat in vanilla.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, baking powder, and baking soda.  Add the oat mixture to the ingredients in the mixer and beat on low to medium speed until well combined.  Fold in the mashed bananas and 1 cup chocolate chips.

To make the topping, in a small bowl, stir the peanut butter, brown sugar, and oats together with a fork until crumbly.  Stir in a 1/2 cup chocolate chips.

Spread the bread batter evenly into the prepared pan.  With your fingers, sprinkle the topping evenly over the batter.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Let cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars.  

Makes 24 bars.