Why do I always end up with a bunch of (ripe at the same time) bananas? Seriously, I pretty much eat a banana every morning, but it never fails that no matter how many I buy, there are always the last few in the bunch that are too ripe to eat by the end of the week! Which brings me to today’s kitchen project.
I know that my last couple of blog posts have been sweets, and I really wanted to try something else, but these ripening (as we speak) bananas on my counter were just calling out to be turned into something delicious.
I opened up the pantry and looked at what I had to work with and here’s what’s cooking today: Chocolate Chip Banana Snack Bars. I made them oil free, dairy free, and gluten free (if you choose to use gluten free oats).
But first, a quick word about the chocolate chips. I have always bought the Enjoy Life Brand of dairy free chocolate chips. They are very good, but also on the pricey side; typically $5.99 for a bag. I found these at Walmart in the Jewish food aisle and they’re only $2.74 for the same size. They are dairy free, vegan and kosher. That’s definitely a win-win for me!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 C. unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 C. pure maple syrup
- 1/4 C. almond butter, softened
- 1 C. oat flour
- 1 t. baking soda
- 1/4 t. salt
- 1 t. cinnamon
- 2 C. rolled oats (gluten free if preferred)
- 2/3 C. dairy free chocolate chips
I combined the bananas, applesauce, maple syrup and almond butter in a small bowl and stirred to combine well. In a large bowl, I whisked the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon together. I then added the wet ingredients to the dry and stirred well to combine. Next, I mixed in the whole oats and the chocolate chips. Once well mixed, I poured the batter into a parchment paper-lined 8 inch square pan. I placed the pan in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. They should have a nice golden brown color.
I’m hoping that these freeze well. I think my daughter will enjoy these when we visit her next month at school.
If you’ve got some spotty bananas on your kitchen counter, give these a try. You will not be disappointed. They are chewy, chocolatey and healthy, too. And we all know that’s a really good thing!
See you next time in the kitchen!
Heidi