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To make these healthy banana bread bars, gather the following items: - 3 ripe bananas, mashed - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) These banana bread bars are a great choice for a healthy snack. The ripe bananas add natural sweetness and potassium. Applesauce provides moisture without extra fat. Whole wheat flour boosts fiber content, aiding digestion. Coconut oil gives healthy fats, while honey or maple syrup adds flavor. - Each bar is lower in sugar than many sweets. - Packed with nutrients, they support energy levels. - The nuts add protein and healthy fats, great for heart health. You can make these bars your own by adding some optional ingredients. Consider including: - Chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch and healthy fats. - Dark chocolate chips: These add a touch of sweetness and antioxidants. - Spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for more flavor depth. - Dried fruits: Raisins or cranberries can give a fruity twist. Feel free to mix and match these options to create your perfect healthy banana bread bars. For the full recipe, check out the Deliciously Healthy Banana Bread Bars recipe. First, gather all your ingredients. You will need ripe bananas, applesauce, honey, and more. Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This helps the bars come out easily. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Then, add the applesauce, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix these together well. In another bowl, whisk the dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. If you want, fold in walnuts or dark chocolate chips. Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Let the bars cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then move them to a wire rack. When measuring flour, spoon it into the cup and level it off. This keeps the amount accurate. For bananas, make sure they are very ripe; this gives the best flavor. Mix gently when combining wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can make the bars tough. If you want a sweeter taste, add a bit more honey. Using the right method helps create soft and tasty bars. To keep your banana bread bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. They will last up to five days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge. They can stay good for about a week when chilled. For even longer storage, freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Every oven is different, so your baking time might vary. Start checking your bars at 25 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they’re done! If not, check again every two to three minutes. Keep an eye on the edges; if they brown too fast, cover them with foil. If your bars turn out too dry, you may have overbaked them. Always check the doneness early. If they are too moist, you may not have baked them long enough. Another tip is to use very ripe bananas. They add moisture and flavor. If your bars fall apart, try adding more binding agents like applesauce or an extra egg next time. Adjusting these small details can lead to perfect banana bread bars every time. For a complete guide, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily make this banana bread bars recipe gluten-free. Just swap the whole wheat flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Look for blends that contain a mix of rice flour, almond flour, and tapioca flour. This will give your bars a nice texture. Be sure to check that your baking soda is gluten-free too. Want to change the taste? You can add fun flavors to your banana bread bars. Try adding a teaspoon of nutmeg for warmth. You can also mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. If you enjoy nuts, walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Dark chocolate chips can also bring a rich taste. Go ahead and get creative! If you want less sugar, you can use other sweeteners. Coconut sugar is a great choice. It has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar. Stevia can also work well; just follow the package instructions for amounts. You can even use ripe mashed dates for natural sweetness. They blend well and add extra fiber. Remember, each sweetener can change the flavor a bit, so adjust to your taste! For the full recipe, don’t miss out on the deliciously healthy banana bread bars. Store your healthy banana bread bars in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, the fridge is a good option. The cool air helps maintain freshness and taste. To freeze your banana bread bars, wrap them in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat banana bread bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. For a crispier edge, try warming them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This gives them a fresh-baked taste, just like when they first came out of the oven. Yes, you can use regular flour if you want. Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients. It also gives a nice flavor. If you use regular flour, the bars will be softer. You may need to adjust the liquid, as regular flour absorbs less moisture. Banana bread bars stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge. They can last up to a week there. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them well to avoid freezer burn. Using applesauce in the recipe adds moisture without extra fat. It cuts down on calories too. Applesauce is low in sugar, which helps keep your bars healthy. It also adds fiber and vitamins. The natural sweetness from applesauce can replace some sugar. This makes your banana bread bars even tastier and healthier. For the full recipe, check out the Deliciously Healthy Banana Bread Bars. This article covered all you need to know about banana bread bars. We explored the key ingredients and their health benefits. I provided step-by-step instructions for easy baking. You learned tips for storage and adjustments for baking times. We even discussed fun variations and answers to common questions. Try making these bars your own, and enjoy the tasty results. Happy baking!

Healthy Banana Bread Bars

Discover the joy of baking with these deliciously healthy banana bread bars! Made with ripe bananas, whole wheat flour, and sweetened naturally with honey, this easy recipe is perfect for a nutritious snack or breakfast treat. Packed with flavor and optional add-ins like dark chocolate chips and nuts, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy this delightful twist on a classic favorite!
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Ingredients
  

3 ripe bananas, mashed

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.

      In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.

        Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

          If using, fold in the chopped walnuts/pecans and dark chocolate chips.

            Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

                Allow the banana bread bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

                    - Presentation Tips: Once cooled, cut into even squares and serve on a colorful plate, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few fresh banana slices for an extra touch.