Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups finely ground almond flour
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ tsp sea salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans (or sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line an 8” x 8” square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of bars.
- Mash Bananas and Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until creamy. Add pure maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract, then mix well until fully combined. Alternatively, use a food processor to blend all ingredients except blueberries for faster prep.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add finely ground almond flour, shredded coconut, baking powder, ground cinnamon (if using), and sea salt. Stir until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
- Fold in Blueberries and Nuts: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries and chopped pecans (or your chosen seeds) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Transfer to Pan: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a rubber spatula or spoon. Optionally, press additional blueberries, shredded coconut, or nuts on top for a decorative finish.
- Bake: Place the pan on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Check doneness with a digital thermometer inserted in the center; bars are fully cooked at 190°F.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before slicing to ensure clean cuts. Serve with your favorite nut or seed butter spread for added richness.
Notes
- For easier preparation, you can blend all ingredients except the blueberries in a food processor.
- Pressing extra toppings like nuts or blueberries on top before baking enhances the appearance.
- Make sure bars reach an internal temperature of 190°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Substitute pecans with other nuts or seeds to suit dietary preferences or allergies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free