Name: Almond Flour Banana Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 large ripe bananas (mashed); 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter); 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2 cups almond flour; 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/2 cup chocolate chips

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There’s something so comforting about the combination of bananas and almond flour. These Almond Flour Banana Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a healthy dessert. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the richness of almond butter, and the indulgence of chocolate chips, these bars will surely become a family favorite. Plus, they’re gluten-free and packed with nutrients, making them a wholesome option for everyone. Let’s dive into why this recipe works and how you can whip up these delightful bars in no time!

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of Almond Flour Banana Bars lies in their simplicity and the health benefits of the ingredients. Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while almond flour offers a nutty flavor and a gluten-free alternative to traditional flour. Almond butter adds creaminess and healthy fats, while chocolate chips bring a touch of indulgence that makes these bars hard to resist. The combination of these ingredients results in a moist, flavorful bar that is both satisfying and nourishing.

What You’ll Gather

To make your Almond Flour Banana Bars, you will need the following ingredients:

2 large ripe bananas, mashed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups almond flour
1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Before You Start: Equipment

Before jumping into the recipe, gather the following equipment:

Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
Whisk or fork: To mash bananas and mix wet ingredients.
Baking dish (8×8 inches): For baking the bars.
Parchment paper: To line the baking dish for easy removal.
Spatula: For spreading the batter evenly in the dish.

Method: Almond Flour Banana Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This will help prevent the bars from sticking.

Step 3: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the 2 large ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be!

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter), 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, and 1 tsp pure vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until fully combined and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the 2 cups almond flour, 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp sea salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Make sure not to overmix. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Step 7: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the 1/2 cup chocolate chips into the batter. This is where the fun begins – who doesn’t love a bit of chocolate?

Step 8: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Cut

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting them into squares.

Adaptations for Special Diets

If you have specific dietary needs, consider these adaptations:

Nut-free: Substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter.
Dairy-free: This recipe is already dairy-free, but ensure the chocolate chips used are dairy-free.
Lower sugar: Reduce the amount of maple syrup to 2 tablespoons, or use a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol.

Notes on Ingredients

Ripe Bananas: The key to sweet and flavorful bars is using ripe bananas; the brown spots indicate perfect ripeness.
Almond Flour: Make sure to use blanched almond flour for the best texture.
Almond Butter: Choose a natural almond butter with no added sugars or oils for a healthier option.
Chocolate Chips: You can use dark chocolate chips, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference.

Prep Ahead & Store

You can make these Almond Flour Banana Bars ahead of time and store them for later. Once cooled, wrap them in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour?

Almond flour is a gluten-free alternative, and substituting it with regular flour may change the texture and moisture of the bars. If you do use regular flour, you may need to adjust the quantity slightly.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the edges are slightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I add nuts or seeds to the batter?

Absolutely! Feel free to add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition. Just be mindful of the overall volume of the batter.

Can I make these bars vegan?

To make these bars vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 egg = 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).

What to Make After This

Serve & Enjoy

Once your Almond Flour Banana Bars have cooled and been cut into squares, they are ready to be served. These bars are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own, paired with a cup of tea or coffee, or even topped with a dollop of yogurt for a more filling snack. They make a great addition to lunchboxes or as a post-workout treat.

So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking! You’ll be delighted with the warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as you create these delicious bars. Enjoy every bite of your wholesome creation!