Healthy treats are almost an oxymoron! But don’t fret, it is possible to cook up something healthier. A common substitute for eggs in baking- which eggs can be too high in cholesterol for some- is often bananas. And this sweet fruit is loaded with hearty benefits.
Some benefits:
- Bananas contain a fair amount of fiber, as well as several antioxidants.
- Can help moderate blood sugar levels.
- Aide in weight loss.
- Good dietary source of potassium and magnesium — two nutrients that are essential for heart health.
- Help curb hunger.
- Can reduce your chances of kidney disease.
- May help reduce exercise-related muscle cramps and soreness.
With all these benefits why wouldn’t you want to add these tasty fruits into your daily diet?!
We’ve got a snack that you’ll go bananas over! Try it out for yourself:
Banana Bars
yield: 16 BARS prep time: 25 MINS cook time: 18 MINS total time: 1 HR
Ingredients
- 1cup mashed ripe banana — about 3 medium bananas
- 1/3cup coconut sugar
- 3tablespoons unsalted butter — melted and cooled to room temperature
- 2tablespoons unsweetened almond milk — or milk of choice
- 1large egg
- 1teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/2teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3cup plus 2 tablespoons dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips — divided
Instructions
- Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper so that the parchment overhangs two opposite sides like handles. Lightly coat with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Mash the bananas in a mixing bowl. Double check the measurement to ensure you have 1 cup (less will make the bars dry; more and they may not bake all the way through). Stir in the coconut sugar, butter, milk, egg, and vanilla until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients. With a wooden spoon or spatula, stir to combine, stopping as soon as the flour disappears. Fold in 1/3 cup chocolate chips.
- Scrape the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons chocolate chips on top. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Place the pan a wire rack to cool completely, then using the parchment handles, lift the bars onto a cutting board. Slice into squares of desired size and enjoy!
