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Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars

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raw vegan gluten free Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars

~ raw, vegan, gluten-free ~

The smell and taste of banana bread always takes me back to my Great Grandmother’s kitchen.  As a little girl, it seemed as though she spent every waking moment in there.  I know this isn’t true, just the perception as a little girl who used to bounce around her feet just like a puppy dog waiting for crumbs of food.

She made everything from scratch and prepared every meal we ate.  I can only remember eating out once in twelve years when I stayed with my Great Grandparents.

It was pretty much a given that no matter what she was making, she would give me a small portion of the batter, dough, or whatever it was so I could play with it and make my “mini foods.”  Back then and even today, I have always had a fetish with trial sized items.  It didn’t matter what it was.

When I stayed there, they would give me a handful of coins, and with much excitement, my friend Bonita and I would ride our bikes into town (a VERY small town in North Dakota).   I would stand in the aisle of Ben Franklin’s contemplating what I wanted to buy.  It was always a toss between a live goldfish and a trial-sized item from the travel section.

Anyway, back to the kitchen.  Whenever she would make banana bread, she would always hand over some of the batter and some miniature bread pans so I could make my own little treats for my girlfriend Bonita and myself.  I love all those cherished memories.  That is why when I fired up my dehydrator and the warm air combined with these amazing ingredients…I was transported back in time.  I do hope this recipe brings you as much pleasure as it does me.

I have made this recipe many times over, and each time, it is a winner with the crowds.  My dad is a long haul truck driver, and I do my best to keep his cooler stocked with healthy raw treats. It’s not always easy because I have to find a place to mail them to while he is fleeting between states… but when I am determined… all things are possible.

These treats keep him full, give him an extra boost of energy… and while he doesn’t even know it… his body is being invaded with healthy nutrients. I guess daughters never out-grow trying to be sneaky. :) Please be sure to comment below. Many blessings, amie sue

Ingredients:

yields 18 (1/3 cup each) bars

Preparation:

Make the batter:

  1. In the food processor, pulse the walnuts, cinnamon, and salt together, breaking them down into medium-sized chunks. Place in a large bowl.
    • Be careful that you don’t over-process the walnuts.  They will start to release too much of their natural oils, which can make for an oily bar.
    • Walnuts won’t break down to a flour-like texture, just to a small crumble, which is what you want.
    • By adding the cinnamon and salt early on in the stage, it will ensure that their flavors will get well dispersed within the batter.
  2. Add to the; oats, raisins, and chocolate chips to the walnuts and mix well.
  3. Pulse 4 cups of apples in the food processor and transfer to the bowl with the walnuts.
    • If desired, be sure to leave small chunks for texture purposes.
    • If the apples are organic, leave the skins on. Otherwise, peel them.
  4. Back in the food processor, blend; 3 more cups of apples, 2 bananas, sunflower butter, vanilla, honey, and ground flax until smooth and creamy.  Pour into the large bowl with the pulsed apples and walnuts.
  5. Add 2 diced bananas and mix well with your hands.
  6. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes for the flax to activate and thicken up in the batter.  The flax works as a binder.

Shape and dehydrate:

  1. To press into bar shapes.
    • I used my sushi press, found (here).  Click (here) on how to shape the perfect bar,
    • Or you can: Pour the batter into a parchment paper-lined baking sheet with an edge, spread out, place another sheet of parchment paper on top, and using the same sized cookie sheet I placed another on top and pressed down firmly.
    • Place the cookie sheets in the freezer to firm up the bars for approx. 1 hour.  About the time it takes to clean up the kitchen. :)
    • Remove the bars when nice and cold; this will help you score them into the desired shapes.
    • Remove the top cookie sheet and flip the batter onto the countertop.  The batter should still be sandwiched in parchment paper.
    • Using a knife (be sure to protect your countertop) cut through the parchment paper, cutting the bar batter in half.
    • Remove the top parchment paper and using either a knife or cookie cutter, score the bars into the desired shape.
  2. Place the individual bars on the mesh sheet that comes with the dehydrator.
  3. Slide the tray into the dehydrator and dehydrate at 145 degrees (F) for 1 hour, then reduce to 115 degrees (F)  for approx. 16 hours.
  4. Store in an airtight container and place in the fridge.  These will freeze well too.
  5. Option: You could make cookie shapes with this batter as well by using an ice scoop of any size.  Follow the same directions for dehydrating and storing.  One other option is to spread the batter out thinly on the non-stick sheets that come with your dehydrator and make granola out of it.

The Institute of Culinary Ingredients™

Culinary Explanations:

  • Why do I start the dehydrator at 145 degrees (F)?  Click (here) to learn the reason behind this.
  • When working with fresh ingredients, it is essential to taste test as you build a recipe.  Learn why (here).
  • Don’t own a dehydrator? Learn how to use your oven (here). I do, however honestly believe that it is a worthwhile investment. Click (here) to learn what I use.

 

9 thoughts on “Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars

  1. Eftychia says:

    This is delcious! Simply delicious!

  2. Judy says:

    Hello Amie Sue, I stayed up later than normal for me, to make these!! They are in the dehydrator now and they were really fun to make!! THANK YOU again for this awesome website and sharing your wonderful creations !!

    Blessings,
    Judy

    • amie-sue says:

      Now you sound like me Judy. hehe I have a hard time getting myself out of the kitchen. :) Please let me know how they turn out. Blessings and good night. amie sue

  3. Judy says:

    Hello Amie Sue! WOW WOW WOW!! They are AMAZING :) I will be making a second batch!! My husband of 28 years said…Hun I found these treats in your dehydrating room, are there more somewhere? He LOVED them too!!! THANK YOU!! Blessings & Hugs, Judy

    • amie-sue says:

      Well Judy, you ended my day with a huge smile on my face. I love your little story and thank you for sharing it with me. Isn’t it a sweet blessing to make such wonderful healthy treats for our loving husbands?! Bob is my driving force… to keep him stocked with ample healthy foods. It brings me such joy. Many blessings Judy! hugs amie sue

  4. Jeanette says:

    I have newly gone raw and was excited to find your website. I have this recipe in my dehydrator right now and it smells absolutely wonderful. Thanks for all the wonderful recipes and time you have put into the site.

    • amie-sue says:

      Welcome Jeanette :)

      I am glad that you found my site and I hope it inspires you to add in healthier food choices into your diet. I love those bars that you are making and I remember that heavenly aroma…aaaah love it!

  5. Alex says:

    Hallo Amy,

    These are just fabulous! Will be making them often I can tell. My hon happily takes them along to work. Thanks!

    • amie-sue says:

      These are one of my favorites too! But then I love bananas! And anything that resembles the flavor of banana bread. Darn, my stomach is growling just thinking about it. hehe Have a wonderful day Alex. amie sue

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