5.21.2014

raw banana nut bars


I've said it before, but since becoming health-conscious, I crave really weird things which is satisfying and terrifying all at the same time only because I wasn't always like this. It's so cool how our tastebuds adjust after only a few weeks or even a few days of eating a certain way. This is the only explanation I have for nights I no longer crave ice cream and bread, but steamed spinach and homemade energy bars. For this reason, I always have the fridge and freezer stalked with homemade goodies (and bags of spinach.)



The other day I was perusing through the greatness that is Oh Lady Cakes and was immediately feeling inspired to experiment with some more raw desserts. I jotted down tons of ideas I had popping up left and right, but first up were these raw banana nut bars. I almost called this recipe raw banana bread because that's really what they taste like. I figured some people (namely my family who I had a conversation with about this earlier) would be out for my head though, considering these things are nowhere NEAR bread with the absence butter, sugar, flour, and baking. So raw banana nut bars it is. 

I'm secretly hoping that I'll forget these are stashed away in the freezer drawer when I go rummaging for something to satisfy my sweet tooth. But let's be real here. I'm not gonna stop thinking about these anytime soon and they'll most likely be gone within the next 24 hours. 


raw banana nut bars

1 c. chopped dates
1 c. raw nuts (I used pecans), finely chopped
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbsp. pure honey or maple syrup
1/4 c. flax seeds
1 c. quick cooking oats
pinch of cinnamon


In a small bowl, soak dates in boiling water. let sit for 5-10 minutes or until soft then drain and chop finely. In a large bowl, mix dates, bananas, vanilla, and honey. Add in flax seeds and oats. (You can either leave the dough like this or place in a food processor for a more fine texture. I like them chunky though!) Press dough into a small pan lined with parchment paper and cut into six squares. 


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29 comments:

  1. These bars look so delicious! Great snack!

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  2. do you put them in the freezer afterwards or serve straight away? The post just finished at press dough into a small pan?
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  3. These look so good! I've been wanting to try making more raw things lately too so these are a must-make on my list now!

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  4. Wow these look really delicious! Do you think I could use shredded coconut instead of the oatmeal? (I can't eat oatmeal because I am celiac and most oatmeal is gluten-contaminated) Love your blog!

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    1. Yes! I'm sure that would work if it was pretty finely grated. Otherwise gluten free oats? Thanks!

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  5. I tried these last night. The dough tastes great -- but was still very wet. I couldn't cut this into bars. I think I'll end up eating it with a spoon. Any thoughts about what I did wrong?

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    1. Hmm.. not really sure what went wrong other than you could have used too much liquid or not enough oats. Either way, you definitely could have added more oats to thicken them up. Since there's no baking, there's no guessing on how they'll turn out- just a little tip :)

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  6. OH MY GOSH. THESE LOOK AMAZING. Seriously. Holy cow. Pinned!!!

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  7. Can i substitute the dates for raisins?

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  8. Sophie, I just wondered why someone was "stalking" your refrigerator! You said that you liked to keep it "stalked" with goodies like these. I'm guessing that you might like to keep your fridge "stocked" with goodies like these, and that your fridge doesn't have a stalker! LOL! If you are confused, go back and read what you wrote about these. wonderful bars. I'm sure that you'll find it. And please, no harm meant. Just thought you might want to change that wording. I do love your blog and your recipes, so please keep up the wonderful work and creative cooking! Thank you!!!

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  10. "These sound AMAZING! I love how simple and wholesome the ingredients are. Definitely adding this to my recipe list!"
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  11. "It’s incredible how tastebuds adjust when we eat cleaner. I totally relate to craving spinach and energy bars over bread!"
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  12. "Raw banana nut bars? Genius idea! I can’t wait to try these out for my post-workout snack."
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  13. "I appreciate how you share not only recipes but your health journey as well. It’s so motivating!"
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  14. "I never thought of making banana ‘bread’ bars raw, but these sound heavenly. Cinnamon and pecans are such a great combo!"
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  15. "You’re totally right about cravings changing with healthy eating. I used to crave chips, and now I want homemade bars like these!"
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  16. "Love that you keep these stocked in the freezer. I need to do that more often for healthier choices!"
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  17. "I’m always on the lookout for raw dessert recipes, and this one is calling my name. Thanks for sharing!"
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  18. "I love how versatile this recipe is! I might swap in walnuts for pecans—can’t wait to experiment."
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  19. "You had me at raw banana bread! It’s awesome how you recreated that flavor in such a healthy way."
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  20. "This recipe is such a game-changer. Who knew dessert could be so healthy and still taste this good?"
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  21. "I’ve been looking for a no-bake snack to satisfy my sweet tooth. These bars are PERFECT!"
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  22. "I appreciate how clean and minimal the ingredients are—no unnecessary additives. Pure goodness!"
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  23. "I’m totally inspired to give these bars a try. My kids will love them, and I’ll feel great knowing they’re healthy!"
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  24. "Steamed spinach over ice cream? I never thought I’d be that person, but you’re right—it happens! These bars are next on my list."
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Thanks so much for taking a moment or two of your time to leave a comment! I love 'em!