These banana breakfast bars are dense and filling. I would say that they are denser than banana bread, and not at all dry and crunchy like a granola bar. And the strawberry jam adds just a bit of sweetness. Strawberries and bananas are a classic combination so I knew they would work well together in this recipe. You can also swap in different fruit jams, such as blueberry or raspberry. Melted chocolate might even work, though I don’t usually have chocolate for breakfast.
The main ingredients for these breakfast bars are all blended together in a food processor. This is the best way to fully break down the walnuts and coconut flakes, and to incorporate the bananas. Blend everything for at least a minute – the mixture will be quite thick. Then transfer it to a standard loaf pan and smooth into an even layer with a spatula. This bottom layer should then be baked (on its own) for 25 minutes.
The next step is to toast some coconut flakes. This only takes a few minutes, after which the remaining chopped walnuts can be stirred in to the pan. This combination makes the nutty and sweet topping for the bars.
After the bottom layer has finished baking, remove the pan from the oven. Now comes the fun job of spreading a thin layer of sweet, sticky jam over the banana mixture. The toasted coconut flakes and walnuts should then be sprinkled on top. Place everything back into the oven to bake together for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the bars look golden brown.
At this point, remove the loaf pan from the oven. Let it completely cool before slicing into bars. I prefer the breakfast bars cold, so I highly recommend refrigerating them for at least half an hour before serving. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Enjoy the bars with a large cup of coffee in the morning or as you are on your way to school or work. They are very easy to make on a Sunday night before the workweek kicks in. They will help you get through the morning in a sweet, unprocessed, and satisfying way.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups walnuts, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Strawberry jam
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Place one cup walnuts and one cup coconut flakes into a food processor. Pulse to break down. Add the bananas, vanilla, and salt and blend until the mixture is completely combined. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth out. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place the remaining coconut flakes in a skillet over medium heat. Toast until lightly browned, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Mix in the remaining walnuts.
- Remove the loaf pan from the oven and spread a thin layer of jam over the bars. Sprinkle the toasted coconut flake mixture over the top. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Store in the refrigerator.
Any suggestions for switching out coconut? Maybe oats or almonds? Thanks.
For someone who can’t have walnuts, is there a substitute you’d suggest? Almonds?
I like the sound of these, however Jam isn’t Paleo as its made with sugar!
Can you suggest a Paleo friendly Jam recipe?
I have found a brand at whole foods with zero sugar. It’s a 365 one.
I was interested in making the Strawberry Banana Paleo bars but can’t use nuts, of any kind, due to my daughter’s allergy. Is there a substitute for the nuts? I can’t think of a way to make them and keep them Paleo.
It states “loaf pan”–as in bread loaf? Because looking at the pix of the amazing looking bars, they look the size of a store-bought bar. But a loaf pan is much deeper! Can you clarify?
I made these tasty things this morning. I had to use pecans because that’s all I had. And sweetened coconut, because again that’s all I had. (We are only about 70% Paleo at this point) and then…I accidentally used the full amount of nuts and coconut for the base. Sigh. But, it’s a good thing I did because the two bananas I used were large ones and instead of looking like your processor picture, mine was thick but quite fluffy. I seriously considered adding a Tbsp or so of coconut or almond flour, but didn’t. I used a glass loaf pan and reduced the oven temp to 325, knowing it would take a little longer to bake, but I wanted to be safe, not sorry. Altogether it took about 35 minutes to bake before adding the jam. When I toasted the coconut I was afraid it would be too dry by the time it came out of the oven, so I added the chopped nuts and 2 tsp of coconut oil and stirred to coat well. I pressed it all down into the jam and baked another 10 min until golden. When cooled enough, I cut a small piece to taste, and it was very, very good! I’m sure the next time I will adjust the amounts according to the size of the bananas, or just try to find smaller ones! Thanks for a nice treat, breakfast or otherwise!
I didn’t realize strawberry jam is paleo? I thought sugar and processed foods were not allowed?
I have baked these this evening with my 5yrs old daughter and the recipe is quick and easy . We have replaced the strawberry jam with some home made oven baked plum jam (sugar free) and the bars are still very delicious. Will be baking another batch next week with a different jam just for the variation. Happy baking !
I made these tonight for my picky SAD following boyfriend for healthy snacks for him (and of course I kept a few for myself) and they were a big hit! I absolutely love these, and I got the big thumbs up from him also. Already recommending them to everyone I know! Thanks for the awesome recipe! 🙂
I dislike bananas. What could I substitute for them? Actually, I dislike cooked bananas in things. Love a fresh, almost green, banana.
These bars are so good!