Banana Pecan Snack Bars
Highlighted under: Easy Home Recipes
Delight in the perfect blend of bananas and pecans with these easy-to-make snack bars, ideal for a quick breakfast or a nutritious treat.
These Banana Pecan Snack Bars are a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the natural sweetness of bananas with the rich, buttery crunch of pecans. Perfect for on-the-go snacking, they make for a nutritious alternative to store-bought snacks. Enjoy them as a wholesome breakfast or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Moist and chewy texture that's satisfying to bite into
- Nutty flavor from pecans complements the sweetness of bananas
- Healthy ingredients that keep you energized throughout the day
A Wholesome Snack Option
Banana Pecan Snack Bars are not only delicious but also a nutritious choice for any time of the day. Packed with the goodness of ripe bananas and protein-rich pecans, these bars provide a satisfying snack that keeps hunger at bay. Whether you need a quick breakfast on the go or a mid-afternoon energy boost, these bars fit the bill perfectly.
The combination of rolled oats and nut butter offers a hearty dose of fiber and healthy fats, making these snack bars a smart addition to your meal prep routine. You can easily make a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy them throughout, ensuring you have a wholesome option ready when cravings strike.
Customizable to Your Taste
One of the best aspects of these Banana Pecan Snack Bars is their versatility. While the recipe calls for pecans, feel free to substitute them with your favorite nuts or seeds, such as walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds. This allows you to tailor the bars to your personal preferences or dietary needs.
Additionally, you can enhance the flavor profile by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of chia seeds. These variations not only introduce new tastes but also enhance the nutritional value of your snack bars, making them even more delightful and satisfying.
Perfect for Meal Prep
These snack bars are ideal for meal prepping, allowing you to save time during busy weeks. By making a larger batch, you can store them in an airtight container for up to a week, ensuring you have a healthy snack readily available. You can also freeze the bars for longer storage, making them a convenient option for those unexpected cravings.
To freeze, simply cut the bars into portions, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy one, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature or warm it slightly in the microwave for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to prepare your delicious snack bars:
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
With all ingredients ready, let's move on to the steps!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Banana Pecan Snack Bars:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, oats, chopped pecans, honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined.
Transfer to Baking Pan
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly, pressing it down firmly.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Cut into Bars
Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares or bars.
Enjoy your delicious Banana Pecan Snack Bars!
Storage Tips
To keep your Banana Pecan Snack Bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warm climate, consider refrigerating them to maintain their texture and flavor. For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option, as mentioned earlier.
When storing, ensure the bars are completely cooled to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess. Layer parchment paper between the bars if you stack them in a container to avoid sticking.
Serving Suggestions
These snack bars are delightful on their own, but you can also elevate your snack experience by pairing them with yogurt, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of nut butter. A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side can add a protein boost and creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the chewy bars.
For an indulgent treat, consider serving the bars with a glass of your favorite milk or a smoothie. This can create a more filling breakfast or snack option that will keep you satisfied for hours.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used as substitutes.
→ How do I store the snack bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
→ Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure to use gluten-free oats.
→ Can I freeze the snack bars?
Absolutely! Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Banana Pecan Snack Bars
Delight in the perfect blend of bananas and pecans with these easy-to-make snack bars, ideal for a quick breakfast or a nutritious treat.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Easy Home Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, oats, chopped pecans, honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly, pressing it down firmly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares or bars.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g