Carrot Banana Sunshine Bars
These delightful Carrot Banana Sunshine Bars are a wholesome treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and dried apricots with the nutritional benefits of whole wheat flour and carrots. Perfect for busy mornings or as a nutritious snack, these bars are easy to prepare and are a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies and fruits. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze for a convenient lunchbox addition that will thaw perfectly by noon. Great for kids and adults alike, these bars will brighten up your day!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (sifted)
whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups (sifted)
baking powder
2 teaspoons
cinnamon
2 teaspoons
baking soda
1 teaspoon
ground ginger
1 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
eggs
2 (beaten)
brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
mashed banana
1 cup (ripe)
plain yogurt
2/3 cup (not low-fat)
vegetable oil
1/3 cup
grated carrots
2 cups (fresh)
dried apricot
1 cup (chopped)
toasted pecans
1/2 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, ground ginger, and salt until well combined.
4
In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs and then whisk in the packed brown sugar, mashed bananas, plain yogurt, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6
Fold in the grated carrots, chopped dried apricots, and toasted pecans (if using) with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with the spatula.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 16 bars and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Carrot Banana Sunshine Bars?
They are a wholesome treat combining ripe bananas, dried apricots, whole wheat flour, and grated carrots for a nutritious snack or breakfast.
How many bars does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 16 bars when baked in a 13 x 9-inch pan.
What is the baking temperature for these bars?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long do the bars need to bake?
They take approximately 30 minutes to bake.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe uses a 50/50 mix of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour.
Can I freeze Carrot Banana Sunshine Bars?
Yes, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze them; they thaw perfectly by lunchtime.
What kind of yogurt is best for this recipe?
Plain yogurt is recommended, specifically noting it should not be low-fat for the best results.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Should I use fresh or frozen carrots?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of fresh grated carrots.
Can I omit the pecans?
Yes, the toasted pecans are optional and can be omitted for a nut-free version.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses cinnamon and ground ginger for flavor.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using sifted all-purpose and whole wheat flour.
What can I substitute for dried apricots?
While the recipe calls for chopped dried apricots, you could substitute them with raisins or dried cranberries.
Why is yogurt used in the batter?
Yogurt helps keep the bars moist and adds a slight tang that complements the sweet fruits.
Do I need to mash the bananas?
Yes, you need 1 cup of mashed ripe bananas.
Is it okay to overmix the batter?
No, mix gently until just combined to ensure the bars stay light and don't become tough.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of vegetable oil.
Can I use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar?
The recipe specifies packed brown sugar, which adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor, but granulated sugar could work in a pinch.
How should the bars be cooled?
Allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Are these bars suitable for children?
Yes, they are described as a fantastic way to sneak in veggies and fruits for kids.
How do I incorporate the carrots and apricots?
Fold them into the batter with a spatula after the wet and dry ingredients are just combined.
Can I use a different size pan?
The recipe is designed for a 13 x 9-inch dish; using a different size may require adjusting the baking time.
What is the role of baking soda and baking powder?
Both act as leavening agents to help the bars rise during baking.
Should the eggs be room temperature?
While not strictly required, room temperature eggs typically incorporate better into batters.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, adding chocolate chips would be a delicious variation, though it would increase the sugar content.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Are these bars high in fiber?
The use of whole wheat flour, carrots, and bananas provides a good amount of natural fiber.
Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for plain yogurt, though the batter may be slightly thicker.
Is toasting the pecans necessary?
Toasting the pecans is recommended as it significantly enhances their flavor and crunch.