Healthy Banana Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting
Do you want to enjoy a sweet and healthy treat? Look no further than these delicious and nutritious banana bars with cream cheese frosting. This recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without compromising your health.
Benefits of Bananas
Bananas are not only delicious, but they are also packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. They are a great source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and promote heart health. Bananas are also rich in fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel full. Additionally, they contain vitamin B6, which supports brain function and helps reduce inflammation in the body.
Ingredients
For the banana bars, you will need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
For the cream cheese frosting, you will need:
- 4 oz. reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Here's how to make these delicious banana bars with cream cheese frosting:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to banana mixture and stir until fully combined.
- If desired, fold in dark chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the banana bars are baking, make the cream cheese frosting by combining softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Once the banana bars are done baking, let them cool completely. Then, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top and cut into squares.
Variations
Don't be afraid to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few variations you can try:
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
- Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a healthier alternative, such as Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream.
- Use different types of flour, such as almond flour or coconut flour, to make the bars gluten-free.
- Try using different fruits in place of bananas, such as applesauce, pumpkin puree, or mashed sweet potato.
Conclusion
These healthy banana bars with cream cheese frosting are a delicious and nutritious treat that you can feel good about eating. They are easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary needs. So why not whip up a batch today and enjoy a sweet snack that won't sabotage your health goals?