Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9” x 9” baking pan with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.

Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Add the almond butter (and pure maple syrup and pure vanilla extract if adding) to the mashed bananas and mix until well combined. Note: If your almond butter is cold or has been sitting in the refrigerator, microwave it for 30 to 60 seconds or until it is very easy to stir.

Add the dry ingredients (oats and sea salt) to the mixing bowl and mix until a thick, sticky dough forms.

Stir the chopped strawberries to the large bowl.

Transfer the oatmeal strawberry mixture to the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. If you’d like, press extra chopped strawberries into the top of the dough.

Bake on the center rack of the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the bars appear set up.

Allow the bars to cool to room temperature before slicing with a sharp knife and serving. If the bars are sliced while they are still warm, the slices don’t come out as cleanly but the bars still taste great.