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 decided to use maple syrup instead of the coconut sugar

  

  All the wet ingredients

  

  Flour, soda, salt and cinnamon

  

  Combined wet and dry ingredients

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.

Stir in the oats

Add the chocolate chips

The parchment paper assures that they won’t stick to the pan

Beautiful 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