Banana Nut Snacks

Healthy Banana Nut Snacks Recipe with Walnuts and Chocolate Chips

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Banana Nut Snacks are a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts, all wrapped up in a soft, moist bar. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a homemade snack that is both delicious and somewhat nutritious. Whether you're packing them for a picnic, serving them at a family gathering, or simply enjoying them with your afternoon tea, these banana nut bars are sure to be a hit.

History

The Banana Nut Snack recipe has its roots in the traditional banana bread, a staple in American baking that gained popularity in the 1930s. Over time, creative bakers began experimenting with the basic banana bread formula, adding various ingredients such as nuts and chocolate chips to enhance the flavor and texture. This particular recipe is a modern take on those experiments, transforming the classic loaf into convenient, snackable bars that maintain the beloved taste of banana bread while offering a new, delightful experience.

Ingredients

2 large ripe bananas
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
1.5 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cup flour
0.5 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup chopped walnuts
0.5 cup mini chocolate chips
0.75 cup powdered sugar
3.5 tsp water
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Line a 13x9x2 inch baking pan with foil.
Coat the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, beat the bananas and butter together.
Beat in the sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Add the dry ingredients, nuts, and chocolate chips.
Spread the mixture in the prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is dry to the touch.
Cool the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then remove the bars from the pan using the edges of the foil.
Allow the bars to cool completely.
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and 2 tsp of water.
Transfer the mixture to a small plastic bag.
In another bowl, stir together 0.25 cup of powdered sugar, 1.5 tsp of water, and cocoa.
Transfer this mixture to another bag.
Snip one corner from each bag and drizzle both over the top of the bars.

Variations

For a healthier version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and use a sugar substitute in place of brown sugar. You can also add different types of nuts or dried fruits for variety.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Banana Nut Snacks turn out perfectly, here are a few tips and tricks:

- Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.

- Soften the butter to room temperature for easier mixing.

- Mix the dry ingredients separately before combining them with the wet ingredients to ensure even distribution.

- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender.

- Let the bars cool completely before drizzling with the glaze to prevent it from melting.

Serving Suggestions

These Banana Nut Snacks can be served as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. They're also great with a cup of coffee or tea.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses the creaming method for mixing the batter, which involves beating together the butter and sugar before adding the eggs and other ingredients. This technique helps to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of brown sugar, you can use white sugar with a tablespoon of molasses as a substitute. For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts and add more chocolate chips or dried fruit.

Make Ahead Tips

The batter for Banana Nut Snacks can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator overnight. Simply bring it to room temperature before baking. The baked bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, cut the bars into squares and dust them with powdered sugar. Arrange them on a platter with fresh banana slices and walnut halves for decoration.

Pairing Recommendations

Banana Nut Snacks pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. For a wine pairing, choose a dessert wine like Moscato that complements the sweetness of the bananas.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds or until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Banana Nut Snacks contains approximately 300 calories. This makes them a suitable option for a filling snack or a light breakfast when paired with a piece of fruit or a serving of yogurt.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Banana Nut Snacks contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources of carbohydrates in this recipe are the flour, brown sugar, and bananas. Carbohydrates are essential for energy, so these snacks can provide a quick boost during a busy day.

Fats

The Banana Nut Snacks contain about 15 grams of fat per serving, with the main sources being unsalted butter and walnuts. While fats are higher in calories, they are also crucial for nutrient absorption and brain health. The recipe uses unsalted butter to control the sodium content and walnuts for their beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

Proteins

Each serving of these snacks provides approximately 5 grams of protein, coming from the eggs and walnuts. Protein is vital for building and repairing tissues, making these bars a more satisfying snack option.

Vitamins and minerals

Banana Nut Snacks are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6 from the bananas, vitamin E from the walnuts, and iron and calcium from the flour. These nutrients support various bodily functions, including the immune system and bone health.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as nuts (walnuts), eggs, and gluten (flour). Those with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this snack or consider suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Banana Nut Snacks offer a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals. While they are a healthier option compared to many store-bought snacks, they should still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Banana Nut Snacks are a versatile, delicious treat that combines the comforting flavors of banana bread with the convenience of a bar. With a balance of nutrients and the potential for various substitutions and variations, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for snack time, dessert, or any occasion that calls for a sweet, satisfying bite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret. As soon as I stepped into her cozy kitchen, the sweet aroma of bananas and nuts wafted through the air, enticing me to come closer.

Margaret greeted me with a warm smile and a knowing twinkle in her eye. "I've been saving this recipe just for you," she said, handing me a tattered old recipe card. On it was written the instructions for making Banana Nut Snacks.

I eagerly read through the ingredients list: ripe bananas, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla. It sounded like the perfect combination of flavors to create a delectable treat.

Margaret explained that she had learned this recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She reminisced about the days spent in her grandmother's kitchen, watching in awe as she effortlessly whipped up delicious meals and desserts.

As Margaret guided me through the process of making the Banana Nut Snacks, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. I thought of my own grandmother, who had taught me everything I knew about cooking. She had instilled in me a love for food and an appreciation for the simple joys of preparing a meal from scratch.

I carefully mashed the ripe bananas, added the chopped walnuts and brown sugar, and sprinkled in a generous amount of cinnamon and vanilla. The mixture transformed into a fragrant, gooey batter that promised to yield a batch of irresistible snacks.

After spooning the batter onto a baking sheet and popping it into the oven, Margaret and I settled in at the kitchen table with steaming mugs of tea. As we chatted and reminisced, the tantalizing scent of baking bananas filled the room, making our mouths water in anticipation.

When the timer finally dinged, we eagerly pulled the Banana Nut Snacks out of the oven. The golden brown treats looked perfectly crisp on the outside and delightfully soft on the inside. I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into one and savor the sweet, nutty flavors.

As I took my first bite, a flood of memories washed over me. I thought of all the times I had spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning the art of cooking and baking. I remembered the laughter, the stories, and the shared moments that had made those times so special.

With each bite of the Banana Nut Snacks, I felt a deep sense of connection to my past and to the women who had shaped me into the cook I was today. I knew that this recipe would become a treasured part of my own repertoire, to be shared with loved ones and passed down through the generations.

As Margaret and I finished off the last of the snacks, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the bond that food had created between us. The simple act of cooking and sharing a meal had brought us closer together, allowing us to connect on a deeper level than words ever could.

As I bid farewell to Margaret and left her warm kitchen, I tucked the recipe card for Banana Nut Snacks into my pocket, knowing that it would always hold a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls as well.

And so, armed with a newfound appreciation for the magic of cooking and the joy of sharing food with others, I set off on my journey home, eager to recreate the delicious Banana Nut Snacks for my own family and friends. Who knew what other culinary adventures awaited me, guided by the recipes and the wisdom of the women who had come before me?