I’ll be the first to admit that most (okay, basically all) of my dessert recipes are on the indulgent side. However, lately, I’ve been getting into healthier alternatives. I love using ripe bananas, oats, and other more natural ingredients to create yummy, guilt-free desserts. While I still stand by my belief in decadent dessert in moderation, I understand that other fellow runners may want something a little lighter.
Bar-style desserts are one of my favorites. They’re simple to make and easy to eat. These Healthy Peanut Banana Blondies are no different. They resemble a cookie bar without all the additional sugar. They really are the perfect treat for a post-run fuel or a weekend treat.
Essential Ingredients and Why They’re Important
When it comes to using healthier ingredients in dessert recipes, each one has its place to provide the best end result. These peanut butter banana blonides are no different. You’ll need:
Bananas – Bananas add sweetness, moisture and structure to these bars.
Greek Yogurt – Greek yogurt can be used as a butter substitute while providing a protein boost. It can also help make the bars fluffier.
Agave Nectar – Agave nectar is used as a sugar substitute that adds a unique flavor profile while helping retain moisture.
Peanut Butter – Peanut butter acts as a binder while adding richness and a salty-sweet flavor profile.
How to Make Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Blondies
These healthy peanut butter banana blondies are super easy to whip together. Let’s be real; most of us have ripe bananas just dying to become a dessert sitting on our counter right now. Most of the other ingredients you may already have on hand.
Start by mixing all of the wet ingredients (mashed bananas, peanut butter, Greek yogurt, agave nectar, egg, and vanilla).
You’ll want to make sure everything is incorporated really well, stirring until the batter is smooth.
You’ll then mix in the dry ingredients (flour and baking powder) until everything is combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently stir in the chocolate chips until well-incorporated.
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. I love how easy this batter is to spread into an even layer with a rubber spatula.
Bake for about 25 minutes or until slightly golden. A toothpick should come out of the center clean or with a sparse amount of dry crumbles. Let the bars cool (almost) completely before cutting and enjoying. I say ‘almost’ because waiting until they’re completely cool is just foolish!
The end result? A spongy bar with a texture that resembles bread pudding. Enjoy room temp, cool, or warmed up with your favorite vanilla frozen yogurt!
TIP: If you’re serving your peanut butter banana blondies to guests, a chocolate drizzle is a nice touch. It gives them a little texture and a presentable and professional appearance. Simple microwave melting chocolates in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments until melted and smooth, then pour into a piping bag. Cut off the tip, then drizzle over your bars.
Melting chocolates come in a wide range of colors, so have fun with them based on the holiday, a theme, or your mood.
Living a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to mean giving up dessert. Whether it's a pre-run fuel or a weekend treat, these peanut butter banana blondies are perfect for those wanting something sweet without the extra sugar. Made with bananas, Greek yogurt, agave nectar, and peanut butter, they're a guilt-free addition to any day. Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray an 8x8-inch pan with cooking spray. Mix bananas, peanut butter, Greek yogurt, agave nectar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in flour and baking powder until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips, then spread batter into prepared pan. Bake for 22 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Blondies
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading...Ingredients
Instructions
Nutrition
