Decadent Low-Fat Banana Walnut Bars
Indulge in these delicious Decadent Low-Fat Banana Walnut Bars, a guilt-free treat perfect for dessert lovers! Made with ripe bananas, applesauce, and a hint of lemon, these bars are moist and flavorful while being low in fat. The delectable cream cheese frosting brings a sweet and creamy touch, making these bars an irresistible choice for any gathering. Share them with family and friends or enjoy them as a sweet snack throughout the week!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
1 1/2 cups (All-purpose flour)
sugar
1 cup (Granulated sugar)
applesauce
1/4 cup (Unsweetened applesauce)
margarine
1/4 cup (Softened)
egg
1 large (Beaten)
milk
1/3 cup (Low-fat or skim milk)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (Baking soda)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (Table salt)
lemon juice
1 teaspoon (Freshly squeezed lemon juice)
very ripe banana
1 (Mashed)
walnuts (optional)
finely chopped (For garnish)
margarine (for frosting)
2 tablespoons (Softened)
powdered sugar
2 cups (Sifted)
salt (for frosting)
1/4 teaspoon (Table salt)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Pure vanilla extract)
banana (for frosting)
1/2 medium (Mashed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
2
In a small bowl, mash the ripe banana and stir in the lemon juice until well combined. Set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, applesauce, margarine, egg, milk, baking soda, and salt. Add the mashed banana mixture and mix all ingredients together. Beat at medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth.
4
If desired, fold in finely chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
5
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7
While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting by combining the margarine, powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, vanilla extract, and mashed half banana in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
8
Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with additional walnuts if desired.
9
Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Decadent Low-Fat Banana Walnut Bars.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C.
What size baking pan is needed?
You should use a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
How many squares does this recipe make?
The recipe makes 16 squares.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, it is described as a low-fat and guilt-free treat.
What ingredient helps keep these bars moist while being low-fat?
Unsweetened applesauce is used to keep the bars moist while reducing fat.
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake them for 25 to 30 minutes.
How can I tell if the banana bars are done?
They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, the instructions specify to grease the 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
What kind of milk is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 1/3 cup of low-fat or skim milk.
Why is lemon juice added to the mashed banana?
Lemon juice is stirred into the mashed banana before adding it to the batter.
Are walnuts required for this recipe?
No, walnuts are optional but can be folded in for added texture and flavor.
How long should I beat the batter?
Beat the batter at medium speed for about 2 minutes until it is smooth.
What are the ingredients for the frosting?
The frosting consists of margarine, powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and mashed banana.
Should the bars be warm when frosted?
No, wait until the bars are completely cool before spreading the frosting.
How many bananas are needed in total for the recipe and frosting?
You will need 1 1/2 bananas: one very ripe banana for the batter and a half medium banana for the frosting.
What kind of sugar is used in the batter?
The batter uses 1 cup of granulated sugar.
What kind of sugar is used for the frosting?
The frosting requires 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar.
What is the purpose of the baking soda?
Baking soda is used as a leavening agent to help the bars rise.
Can I garnish the bars?
Yes, you can sprinkle additional chopped walnuts over the frosting if desired.
What is the fat source in the batter?
The batter uses a combination of 1/4 cup softened margarine and 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce.
How should the egg be prepared?
The recipe calls for one large beaten egg.
What type of vanilla extract should be used?
The recipe specifies using 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
Is there salt in the frosting?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of table salt is included in the frosting mixture.
What is the texture of the frosting?
The frosting is described as sweet, smooth, and creamy.
Can these bars be served at gatherings?
Yes, they are described as an irresistible choice for any gathering.
What is the first step in preparing the banana for the batter?
Mash the ripe banana and stir in the lemon juice in a small bowl.
What speed should the mixer be set to for the batter?
The batter should be beaten at medium speed.
What category do these bars fall into?
They are categorized as a dessert and a healthy snack.