Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bars

In recent years, pumpkin and banana recipes have surged in popularity, especially during the fall season. Both ingredients not only bring warmth and comfort to any dish but also offer a wealth of nutritional benefits. Whether it's the creamy texture of bananas or the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, combining these two ingredients creates a delectable treat that satisfies cravings without the guilt often associated with traditional desserts.

Discover the joy of baking with these Deliciously Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bars! Perfect for fall, this recipe combines the creamy sweetness of ripe bananas and the rich flavor of pumpkin into a nutritious snack or dessert. Packed with vitamins, fiber, and wholesome ingredients, these bars provide a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies your cravings. Enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a light dessert. Get ready to create a delicious treat that your whole family will love!

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Ingredients

1 cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 medium bananas)

1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or freshly made)

1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ cups whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until all ingredients are well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly mixed.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars dense.

Add Nuts and Chocolate: If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and dark chocolate chips for added texture and sweetness.

Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Slice: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into bars.

Enjoy: Serve as a snack, breakfast treat, or healthy dessert!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 50 min | 12 bars