Chocolate Chip Banana Energy Bars
Highlighted under: Sweet Cravings Bakery
These delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Energy Bars are perfect for a quick snack or an on-the-go breakfast. Packed with energy and flavor, they are sure to satisfy your cravings.
These Chocolate Chip Banana Energy Bars combine the sweetness of ripe bananas with rich chocolate chips, making them a perfect snack for any time of day. Whether you need a boost before a workout or a sweet treat after dinner, these bars are sure to hit the spot!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with wholesome ingredients and natural sweetness
- Chewy texture with a delightful crunch from chocolate chips
- Great for meal prep and easy to grab on busy mornings
Perfect for Any Occasion
These Chocolate Chip Banana Energy Bars are not just for breakfast; they make a wonderful snack any time of day. Whether you're heading to the gym, looking for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or need a quick treat for your kids after school, these bars fit the bill. Their delicious flavor and satisfying texture make them a favorite among both adults and children alike.
You can easily pack these bars for a picnic, take them on a hike, or enjoy them as a post-workout snack. Their portability and resilience make them an ideal option for anyone with a busy lifestyle. Plus, with the natural sweetness from bananas and honey, you can indulge without guilt.
Nutritional Benefits
Every bite of these energy bars is loaded with nutritional goodness. Bananas provide essential vitamins and minerals, particularly potassium, which is vital for heart health and muscle function. The rolled oats contribute fiber, promoting digestive health and keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
Almond butter is a fantastic source of healthy fats and protein, which are essential for energy production and muscle repair. Meanwhile, the chocolate chips add a touch of indulgence without overwhelming the health benefits of these wholesome ingredients. This makes them a balanced snack option for anyone looking to fuel their day.
Customizable Options
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to customize the bars to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. If you're allergic to nuts, you can substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter or a seed-based spread. For a vegan version, simply replace honey with maple syrup.
Additionally, you can mix in other ingredients like dried fruits, seeds, or even protein powder to enhance the nutritional profile. Experimenting with different add-ins can create a unique flavor experience each time you make them. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Mix all the ingredients well and enjoy your delicious bars!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, rolled oats, almond butter, honey, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Bake
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut into 12 bars.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Storage Tips
To keep your Chocolate Chip Banana Energy Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can stay good for up to two weeks.
For even longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Simply wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a healthy snack anytime you need it; just thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a quick treat.
Serving Suggestions
These energy bars are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your snacking experience with a few serving suggestions. Pair them with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein and creaminess, or enjoy them with a side of fresh fruit for extra vitamins.
For a decadent twist, try drizzling a bit of melted dark chocolate over the bars before serving. This will enhance the chocolate flavor, making them even more irresistible. You can also crumble the bars over a bowl of oatmeal or smoothie for added texture and taste.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute the almond butter?
Yes, you can use any nut butter or sunflower seed butter if you have nut allergies.
→ How long do these bars last?
They can be stored in an airtight container for about a week.
→ Can I freeze these energy bars?
Absolutely! They freeze well. Just wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe bag.
→ What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup or agave syrup can be used as a vegan alternative.
Chocolate Chip Banana Energy Bars
These delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Energy Bars are perfect for a quick snack or an on-the-go breakfast. Packed with energy and flavor, they are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Sweet Cravings Bakery
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
For the Bars
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, rolled oats, almond butter, honey, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut into 12 bars.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g