Chocolate Banana Almond Snack Bars

Name: Chocolate Banana Almond Snack Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas; 1 cup almond butter; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/4 cup chopped almonds; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Collection

I absolutely love making these Chocolate Banana Almond Snack Bars for a quick energy boost throughout the day. They are packed with natural sweetness from ripe bananas and a rich chocolate flavor that satisfies my sweet tooth. I find that combining almond butter not only enhances the taste but also adds a creamy texture that keeps the bars from being too dry. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them a go-to snack whenever I need a healthy option that tastes indulgent.

Created by

Natalie Evans

Last updated on 2026-01-14T08:09:34.769Z

During my time experimenting in the kitchen, I discovered the perfect combo of chocolate and banana for a healthy snack. After trying various recipes, I realized that using ripe bananas significantly intensifies the flavor while providing natural sweetness. It’s essential to mix the wet and dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

One day, I decided to add almond butter to the mix, and it transformed the texture entirely. Now, these bars not only taste great, but they also offer the crunch from almonds, making them perfect for satisfying those midday cravings. I’m sure you’ll love them!

        Why You Will Love These Bars
        Rich chocolate flavor balanced with creamy almond butter
Nutty crunch from chopped almonds in every bite
Perfect balance of sweet and savory for any time of the day

      

The Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Chocolate Banana Almond Snack Bars plays a specific role that contributes to the overall flavor and texture. Ripe bananas not only provide natural sweetness but also act as a binding agent, ensuring the bars hold together without the need for additional flour. Almond butter enhances the creaminess and adds healthy fats, making the bars satisfying. Dark chocolate chips contribute not only a rich chocolate flavor but also a pleasant contrast in texture with the chewy oats and crunchy almonds.

When it comes to sweeteners, you can choose between honey and maple syrup based on your dietary preferences. Honey offers a vibrant sweetness and pairs beautifully with the nutty flavors, while maple syrup provides a distinct earthy taste. If you're aiming for a vegan option, maple syrup would be your best choice. Additionally, if you prefer a low-sugar alternative, consider using mashed dates as a substitute for honey or maple syrup, adjusting the quantity to taste.

Baking Tips for Perfect Bars

Ensuring the bars are baked to perfection is crucial for achieving the right texture. Keep an eye on them as they bake; a visual cue to look for is golden edges that are slightly crisp while the center remains soft. If the bars appear too gooey during baking, allow them to bake a few additional minutes for a firmer consistency. Conversely, avoid over-baking, which can lead to dry and crumbly bars. Always let them cool completely in the pan; this helps them set properly and allows for easier slicing.

If you find that your bars are too crumbly or fall apart after slicing, it's likely that the mixture wasn't compacted enough before baking. Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the baking dish using a spatula or your hands; this ensures that the bars hold together well after cooking. Conversely, if they feel too dense, you might try incorporating an extra tablespoon or two of rolled oats or even a splash more almond butter to achieve your desired texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your own delicious snack bars!

Ingredients for Chocolate Banana Almond Snack Bars

2 ripe bananas
1 cup almond butter
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped almonds
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious snack bars.

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal of the bars later.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork. Add almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth and well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, salt, and half of the chocolate chips. Mix well.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined. Fold in the remaining chocolate chips.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing down firmly to ensure they hold together.

Bake the Bars

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let it cool completely before slicing into bars.

Once cut, the bars are perfect for storage in an airtight container for a week!

Pro Tips

For an extra boost, you can add dried fruits or seeds to the mixture before baking. This adds diversity in flavor and texture!

Storage and Make-ahead Tips

These Chocolate Banana Almond Snack Bars can be made ahead of time and are perfect for meal prepping. Once cooled and sliced, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, consider placing them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to two weeks. If you have a larger batch, you can also freeze them—just layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they can remain fresh for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy a frozen bar, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes or pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up. This method enhances the chocolate's melty appeal, making each bite extra indulgent. Just ensure not to overheat, as this can alter the texture of the bars.

Creative Variations

You can easily customize these snack bars to suit your taste or dietary needs. For a tropical twist, consider adding shredded coconut or chopped dried fruits like apricots or cranberries to the mix. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful chewiness. If you want a protein boost, sprinkle in some chia seeds or flaxseeds for added nutrition without compromising the delicious chocolate-banana flavor.

If you're looking to reduce carbohydrates, you can substitute half of the rolled oats with almond flour or coconut flour. This creates a lower-carb version while maintaining a delicious taste. Remember to adjust the wet ingredients slightly since these flours absorb more moisture. With these variations, you can keep your snack bars exciting while still enjoying the core flavors that make this recipe a favorite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?

Yes, peanut butter works well and will give the bars a slightly different flavor!

→ How do I store these snack bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! They freeze well. Wrap each bar individually and store in the freezer for up to three months.

→ What can I substitute for honey?

You can substitute honey with agave syrup, maple syrup, or any other liquid sweetener of your choice.