Recipe - Nutty Banana Bars Perfect Afternoon Snack

As the clock ticks past the midday mark, the craving for a wholesome and delicious afternoon snack often beckons. If you seek a delightful treat that effortlessly combines the goodness of ripe bananas and the nutty essence of wholesome ingredients, then look no further than Nutty Banana Bars. These delectable bars are the epitome of a perfect afternoon snack - a heavenly blend of natural sweetness, nutty goodness, and a touch of indulgence. With each bite, Nutty Banana Bars promise to elevate your snack time to new heights of blissful satisfaction. In this article, we present you with a delightful recipe for Nutty Banana Bars, crafted to be an easy and rewarding addition to your afternoon routine. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that delivers a harmonious fusion of flavors and textures, making it a deliciously nutty and nutritious snack that will keep you coming back for more.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 bars

Ingredients

2 large ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if desired)
1 cup almond flour (or any nut flour of your choice)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)
1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional, for added sweetness)

Method

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the melted coconut oil (or butter), packed brown sugar, beaten egg, and pure vanilla extract. Mix well until all the wet ingredients are fully combined.

- In a separate bowl, whisk together the old-fashioned rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, and salt.

- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips (if using) for added texture and sweetness.

- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

- Bake the Nutty Banana Bars in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment overhang and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

- Once cooled, slice the Nutty Banana Bars into 12 equal portions and savor each bite of this delightful afternoon snack!