These banana bars are a perfect grab-and-go breakfast, packed with protein to keep you full and energized. The combination of almonds and banana provides a well-balanced dose of fiber, healthy fats and natural sweetness.
Whether you need a quick morning bite or a post-workout snack, these bars are the perfect choice! If you have been wondering what to do with those sad browning bananas at the bottom of your fruit bowl, consider making this recipe.
Unlike store-bought ‘banana-flavored’ protein bars, these actually contain real bananas. They also have a healthy dose of protein, making them a no-brainer when you need a delicious, nutritious post-workout treat.
Why I love this recipe:
Less than 10 minutes to make. Healthy treats shouldn’t take a lot of time to prepare, and these bars need only 10 minutes of your time.
A no-bake recipe. Yet you would never guess by how soft and chewy they are!
Nutrient-dense. They have over 12 grams of protein per bar and zero added sugar. They are also naturally vegan and gluten-free!
So much banana flavor. Nothing artificial ever beats the real flavour of creamy bananas. If you have ever eaten or drank banana-flavoured foods or drinks, you may be aware of how they taste. Many find artificial banana flavouring (while we still call it that) “fake”. Compared to most other artificial fruit flavours, banana flavouring sticks out as the most unlike its real counterpart.
The distinct flavor profile you find in banana candy or banana-flavored drinks doesn’t quite match the taste of a fresh banana – the real deal is always going to taste better and be better for you.
Important snack requirements? Oh, and a little bit of chocolate in the mix because we should not be devoid of indulgence in my opinion. These chocolate banana protein slice bars are like delicious bites of ice cream Any and all times are appropriate, but I especially love them as a little pre-workout boost or post-workout snack. I also love them as a sweet treat after dinner when I’m craving ice cream but a) don’t have any or b) would be too chilly eating a whole bowl.
As an afternoon lunch dessert. As I’m running out the door. With protein, fat, carbs, and fiber they are a very well balanced snack for most any occasion. I also love to break one or two up into pieces and add to the top of my smoothie bowl. They are like a mini ice cream bar, but much simpler and so much healthier. These treats are so easy to make with only a handful of ingredients and zero baking, nothing not to love! And let your taste buds run wild with fun mix-ins.
They completely fulfil any “sweet-tooth” cravings! If you are limiting your sugar intake, you will fall in love with these. The combination of sweet creamy banana, almonds, dark chocolate chips and vanilla is a healthier way to satisfy those chocolate cravings!
There are so many ways to love this simple snack. You cannot go wrong having a stash in your freezer as you will find many ways to enjoy these delicious Perky Nana Protein Slice Bars.
Perky Nana Protein Slice Bars
Ingredients
Base Crust
- 1 cup almonds or walnuts or a mix
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Banana Cream Filling
- 2 medium bananas, peeled and halved
- 1 cup cashews, soaked 3+ hours and drained
- 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
- 1/4 cup protein or collage peptides powder
- 2-3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup – to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (for colour only, optional)
Chocolate Topping
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Note: Place the can of coconut cream or milk in the fridge or freezer for at least 1-2 hours before making these bars to allow coconut cream to separate.Line a 7 x 5-inch baking pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.
Base Crust
- Place all ingredients into a food processer and process until broken down and crumbly and a sticky dough is formed.Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture variance and different sized “bits” in your base crust.Press the base mixture into the bottom of your pan or dish evenly. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
Banana Cream Filling
- Open chilled can and scoop out the cream that has separated and set hard on the top. Save the remaining coconut water to use in a smoothie, drink, or discard.Place all filling ingredients, bananas, cashews, hardened coconut cream, protein powder, honey, vanilla extract and turmeric if using into the food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Depending on the power of your blender this might take a few minutes. Stop blending to scrape the sides and continue to blend until very smooth. Taste test add more honey or vanilla if you think it needs it.Pour the filling over the chilled crust and spread evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon, then place back in the refrigerator.
Chocolate Topping
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 20 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.Once melted, pour the chocolate over the banana filling and spread out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.Place back in fridge for 30 minutes for chocolate to set then remove from pan and cut into 10-12 bars or more smaller slices to serve.Store in fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months. If frozen let sit for 5-10 minutes to thaw a little to improve the texture.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
