Banana Nut Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting
Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert? Then, look no further than banana nut bars with cream cheese frosting. This sweet and nutty delight is perfect for any occasion - from family gatherings to afternoon tea parties. Not only is it delectable, but it's also packed with nutrients, making it a healthier dessert option.
The Ingredients You'll Need
To make banana nut bars with cream cheese frosting, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
You can find most of these ingredients in your local grocery store. Make sure to use ripe bananas since they'll add a natural sweetness to the bars. Also, you can substitute the chopped walnuts with any other nuts of your choice, such as pecans or almonds.
The Preparation Steps
Now that you have all the ingredients, here are the steps to make banana nut bars with cream cheese frosting:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or a potato masher.
- Add the unsweetened applesauce, honey, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix all the ingredients until they're well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together. Mix these dry ingredients with the wet ingredients in the large bowl. Stir until there are no lumps.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts into the batter. Reserve a few pieces for garnishing later on.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Spread the batter evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they're golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until they're smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars with a spatula. Garnish them with the reserved chopped walnuts.
- Cut the bars into equal squares and serve them either warm or cold. Enjoy!
The Nutritional Benefits
Banana nut bars with cream cheese frosting are not only delicious, but they're also packed with nutrients. Bananas are a great source of potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure and heart function. Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain function and reducing inflammation. Cream cheese is a good source of calcium, which helps keep your bones strong. By choosing whole wheat flour over refined flour, you're also getting more fiber and nutrients.
The Verdict
Banana nut bars with cream cheese frosting are a perfect dessert for any occasion. They're easy to make, delicious, and packed with nutrients. You can serve them for breakfast, snack, or dessert, and they'll always be a crowd-pleaser. So, the next time you're in the mood for something sweet and healthy, give this recipe a try!