Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious treat, you’ve come to the right place! My Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars are not just any dessert; they are a delightful blend of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. These bars are perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you need something sweet yet wholesome. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these bars always hit the spot.

What makes these bars truly special is their simplicity. With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and packed with protein, making them a fantastic snack option for everyone in the family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you’ll be on your way to enjoying these delicious bars without any fuss.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. It’s a treat that everyone can enjoy together!
• Make-ahead convenience: These bars store beautifully! Make them ahead of time for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
• Wholesome ingredients: Packed with bananas and natural peanut butter, these bars offer a guilt-free indulgence that feels good to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars require simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. Let’s gather what you need:

For the Bars

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup peanut butter (all natural, room temp.)
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/3 cup maple syrup (or honey)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (plus more for garnish)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add some nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Try different nut butters: Swap out peanut butter for almond or cashew butter if you’re looking for a change.
• Infuse some flavor: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a scoop of protein powder for a little extra nutrition.
• Experiment with spices: For a fun twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon.

How to Make Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325° F. This step is crucial as it ensures even baking. While it heats up, line an 8×8 brownie pan with parchment paper so your bars won’t stick.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth. Next, add in the peanut butter, almond flour, maple syrup, egg, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix! Finally, fold in those delightful chocolate chips. This step brings all those amazing flavors together!

Step 3: Bake Your Bars

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan and sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top for good measure. Bake in your preheated oven for around 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 4: Cool and Slice

Allow your bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares. I often make these at night and let them sit overnight in an airtight container—it makes slicing so much easier! Enjoy these Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars as a quick breakfast, satisfying snack, or decadent dessert anytime you crave something sweet!

Pro Tips for Making Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

These tips will help you achieve the best texture and flavor in your delicious bars!

• Use ripe bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots; they are perfect for baking!
• Room temperature peanut butter: Using peanut butter that’s at room temperature makes it easier to blend with the other ingredients, ensuring a smooth batter without clumps.
• Don’t overmix: Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to denser bars, while light mixing helps keep them fluffy and tender.
• Let them cool completely: Allowing your bars to cool fully before slicing helps them set properly, making it easier to cut neat squares without crumbling.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to customize your bars with nuts, seeds, or even dried fruit. This not only adds flavor but also boosts the nutritional value!

How to Serve Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

These flourless peanut butter banana chocolate chip bars are not only delightful on their own but also make an impressive addition to any gathering. Here are some ideas on how to present and enjoy them!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or almonds on top for an extra crunch that complements the soft texture of the bars.
• Drizzle of nut butter: A light drizzle of almond or additional peanut butter on top adds richness and enhances the nutty flavor.
• Fresh fruit slices: Serve with banana or strawberry slices on the side for a refreshing contrast that balances the sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Yogurt parfait: Pair these bars with a simple yogurt parfait made from Greek yogurt and fresh berries. The creaminess of yogurt contrasts beautifully with the chewy texture of the bars.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, making this snack feel even more indulgent.
• Smoothie: Blend up a fruity smoothie using spinach, banana, and almond milk for a nutritious drink that complements the flavors in your dessert.
• Nutty granola: Serve alongside a bowl of homemade nutty granola. The crunchiness will provide a delightful textural contrast while keeping things healthy.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll surely impress family and friends with your flourless peanut butter banana chocolate chip bars! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These flourless peanut butter banana chocolate chip bars are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in no time and enjoy them throughout the week. They store well and can be frozen, making them a convenient option for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge where they can last up to a week.
• Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag, labeling with the date.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your bars warm, simply remove from the refrigerator or freezer and let sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
• Microwave for about 10-15 seconds if refrigerated, or about 30 seconds if frozen.
• Allow to cool slightly before indulging!

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common inquiries about flourless peanut butter banana chocolate chip bars:

Can I make Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit until gelatinous) as a binding agent.

How long do Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars last?

When stored properly, these bars can last up to 3 days at room temperature and up to one week in the refrigerator.

Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter work wonderfully as alternatives while still keeping the recipe flourless.

Are Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars healthy?

Yes! These bars are packed with protein from peanut butter and bananas, making them a great healthy snack option.

What should I serve with my Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars?

They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea and can also be enjoyed as part of a breakfast spread!

Final Thoughts

I hope you love making these flourless peanut butter banana chocolate chip bars as much as I do! They’re not just delicious; they’re also easy to whip up and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe, and don’t hesitate to share your results! Happy baking!