![- 3 ripe bananas, thoroughly mashed - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup - 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour These main ingredients form the base of our healthy banana bread bars. Ripe bananas give natural sweetness and moisture. Unsweetened applesauce adds more moisture without extra sugar. Honey or pure maple syrup provides a sweet touch. Whole wheat flour boosts fiber and nutrients. - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips You can make your banana bread bars even better with add-ins. Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and healthy fats. Dark chocolate chips bring a rich flavor that pairs well with bananas. Both options are fun and tasty, so choose what you love! - About 120 calories per bar - 3 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber - Bananas offer potassium and vitamins; whole wheat flour provides fiber Each bar gives a nice balance of energy and nutrients. The bananas help your heart with potassium. The whole wheat flour helps your digestion with fiber. This makes them a great snack choice. For the full recipe, check out the steps to create these delicious and nutritious treats! 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper. 2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add unsweetened applesauce, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until all ingredients blend well. 1. In another bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking soda, sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together until mixed. 2. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold them together. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if some lumps remain. 1. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. 2. Bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. You can find the Full Recipe for more details. Enjoy your baking! You can make your Healthy Banana Bread Bars even better with smart swaps. For sweeteners, try using ripe mashed bananas only. They add sweetness without extra sugar. You can also use stevia or agave syrup as lighter options. For flour, whole wheat is great, but you can use almond flour for a gluten-free choice. Just remember to adjust other ingredients to keep the bars moist. To make your bars even healthier, cut back on sugar. Use less honey or maple syrup. You can also add seeds like chia or flax. These add fiber and protein. Nut butters like almond or peanut can boost flavor and health. Just mix in a few tablespoons to the batter for a tasty twist. If your bars turn out dense, it’s often from overmixing. Mix gently and stop when just combined. If you bake them too long, they can dry out. Keep an eye on your oven. Check for doneness at 25 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few crumbs. If they seem too dry, try lowering the oven temperature next time. Feel free to explore the [Full Recipe] for detailed steps and enjoy these delightful treats! {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your banana bread bars. Try adding different nuts. Chopped walnuts or pecans bring a nice crunch. For a sweeter twist, mix in dark chocolate chips. You can also use cocoa powder for a rich chocolate version. Substitute one-fourth cup of flour with cocoa powder. This makes the bars moist and delicious. If you follow a vegan diet, you can still enjoy these bars. Replace eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use almond milk instead of regular milk. For a nut-free option, simply leave out the nuts. You can also swap the honey for agave nectar. These small changes let everyone enjoy the bars. Banana bread bars pair well with other foods. Serve them with yogurt for a creamy touch. Nut butter also makes a great complement. Spread a layer on top for added flavor. Fresh fruit can brighten up your plate. Slice some strawberries or serve with banana slices for a tasty mix. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your banana bread bars fresh, store them in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container to seal in moisture. This helps the bars stay soft and delicious. They can last up to a week in the fridge. If you want to save them for longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy your bars again, reheating is easy. You can place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This warms them without drying them out. If you prefer, you can also use an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-10 minutes. This method keeps the bars nice and soft. At room temperature, these banana bread bars last for about two days. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. If you notice any mold or an off smell, it's time to toss them. Freshness is key, so always check for signs of spoilage before enjoying your treat. Yes, you can use frozen bananas. They work well in this recipe. First, thaw the bananas completely. Then, mash them until smooth. This helps keep the bars moist and adds great flavor. If your bananas are too watery after thawing, just drain some liquid before mixing them in. If you need to replace eggs, you have options. Here are some great substitutes: - Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. - Chia Seeds: Use the same method as flaxseed. - Unsweetened Applesauce: Replace each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce. - Mashed Banana: Use 1/4 cup of mashed banana for each egg. These alternatives will keep your bars moist and delicious. To check if the bars are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re ready. If you see wet batter, give them a few more minutes. Remember, they will continue to cook a bit after you take them out of the oven. The base recipe can be nut-free. If you want to make it without nuts, simply leave out the walnuts or pecans. You can also add seeds instead, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. They add crunch and nutrition without the nuts. Enjoy your nut-free banana bread bars! In this post, we explored a simple recipe for delicious bars made with ripe bananas, applesauce, and whole wheat flour. You learned about optional add-ins like nuts and dark chocolate. We also covered nutritional info, tips for healthier options, and variations to suit different diets. Remember, these bars are easy to make and store well. Enjoy trying different flavors and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!](https://tastyrecipes.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2e86c053-de0d-401f-af0a-00922265dba7-300x300.webp)
Healthy Banana Bread Bars
Indulge in these deliciously healthy banana bread bars that are easy to make and packed with flavor! Using simple ingredients like ripe bananas, whole wheat flour, and a hint of dark chocolate, these bars are the perfect sweet treat. Whip up a batch in just 45 minutes and enjoy a guilt-free snack or breakfast. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your baking game today!