Are you a fan of simple, healthy, and delicious snacks? Then You need to give this 3-ingredient Banana Coconut Bars recipe a try. Honestly, I’m still shocked that I trusted myself enough to whip three ingredients sitting in my pantry to create this goodness.
If you are a lazy cook who loves the sweeter things of life and barely has the time to mix ingredients to make a delicious baked good, then this recipe is for you.
After making these banana coconut bars, you’ll be amazed at how quickly and deliciously bananas can be transformed into a delightful treat.
Why you’ll love these banana coconut bars
3-ingredients: No one wants to sleep at the grocery store shopping for a million and one ingredients that may only be used once. With just three ingredients in this banana coconut bars, you can make a baked good that you and your family will love.
Easy to make: This isn’t the three-ingredient recipe that requires you to get a degree in culinary studies (although that will be nice).
With the simplicity of this recipe, even a 5-year-old can effortlessly whip it up.
Vegan and Gluten-Free: For all my vegan and gluten-free lovers out there, this recipe is sure to remain a staple in your kitchen. Do you have some overripe bananas you’re considering tossing in the bin? Well, think again!
Combine those bananas with the other two ingredients in this recipe, and you’ll have an excellent snack in no time.
Related Post: Chocolate Banana Cake
What Ingredients do you need for Banana Coconut Bars?
Banana: Make sure to use overripe bananas! The spottier, the better. You need overripe bananas for this recipe because overripe bananas mash and process better than ripe bananas. Plus, it adds sweetness and that banana-ry flavor we all love.
Coconut flakes: I suggest using sweetened coconut flakes for this recipe. However, if you opt for unsweetened coconut flakes, I recommend adding a tablespoon of sweetener/sugar to the recipe.
Almond flour: I opted for almond flour to reduce the carbohydrate content of this recipe, and it complements the other two ingredients nicely.
How To Make 3 Ingredient Banana Coconut Bars
Prepping the Banana Coconut Bars:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a small baking dish or square pan with parchment paper. In a food processor, blend the bananas until they reach a smooth consistency. Alternatively, if a food processor isn’t available, you can achieve a similar texture by mashing the bananas with a fork.
Once that’s done, mix in the almond flour until it’s well combined with the banana. Afterwards, gently fold in the coconut flakes.
Forming the Bars and Baking:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
You can spread the mixture to cover the entire dish for thinner bars or concentrate it in a smaller area for thicker bars.
Next, bake in the preheated oven for 20-35 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Cooling and Serving:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the baking dish and onto a cutting board. Cut into bars or squares and enjoy!
Tips for Great Tasting Bars
To ensure that your Banana Coconut Bars are a hit, here are a few tips I seriously recommend you do.
Use overripe bananas: Make sure you use overripe bananas as they are sweeter and mash easily compared to the unripe ones. They also blend well with the almond flour, creating a smooth base for your bars.
Choose Quality Almond Flour: Invest in excellent quality almond flour, as it significantly affects the texture and taste of your bars.
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to add more flavors and textures to your bars.
How To Store
Proper storage of your Banana Coconut Bars is essential for retaining their delightful texture and flavor. For short-term storage, I recommend transferring the bars into an airtight container and placing them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
If you wish to store them for an extended period, freezing will be your go-to option. I recommend you wrap each bar individually, either in cling film or aluminum foil, before placing them into an airtight container or resealable freezer bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour instead of almond flour?
Yes, you can substitute almond flour with coconut flour or oat flour. However, the texture and taste will slightly change. If you use coconut flour, remember it absorbs more moisture, so you may need to adjust the quantity.
Can I add sweeteners to this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer sweeter bars, feel free to add sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup. I used stevia to sweeten my bars (which is optional). Just remember to adjust the quantity based on your preference.
How can I make the bars more flavorful?
To make your banana coconut bars more flavorful, consider adding extras like vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits can also add a burst of flavor.
How do I cut the bars to get a perfect shape?
To achieve a perfect shape, ensure the bars are fully set before cutting them. Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts to ensure clean, even slices.
Craving more banana recipes? Check out our easy and delicious banana muffins recipe for a quick easy treat.
Having guests over and want to get their attention and taste buds with the yummiest cake ever? Then consider making our delicious banana shortcake to get your guests salivating!
3 Ingredient Banana Coconut Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 bananas - Make sure to use overripe bananas
- ½ cup Almond Flour
- 1 cup Coconut flakes - Sweetened
- 1 tbsp sweetener - optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F and line a small baking square pan with parchment paper.
- Blend the bananas in a food processor until they reach a smooth consistency. Alternatively, if a food processor isn't available, you can achieve a similar texture by mashing the bananas with a fork. Once blended, mix in the almond flour until it's well combined with the banana. Afterwards, fold in the coconut flakes.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-35 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely and transfer onto a cutting board. Cut into bars or squares and enjoy!
