Moist Carob and Banana Bliss Bars
Indulge in these delightful Moist Carob and Banana Bliss Bars, a heavenly treat perfect for those with a love for sweet and wholesome desserts. Born from my need to create a chocolate-free delight for my son, these brownies are rich in flavor while being dairy-friendly. The combination of ripe bananas and carob powder not only gives these bars a unique sweetness but also adds nutritional benefits, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Enjoy as a midday snack, a sweet treat after dinner, or pack them in lunchboxes for a wholesome dessert that's sure to please everyone, from kids to adults.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat flour
2 cups (or use white flour)
Chatfield's carob powder
1/2 cup
baking powder
1 2/3 teaspoons
allspice
1 tablespoon
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
honey
1/2 cup
vanilla extract
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
ripe bananas
2 (mashed)
water
1 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, carob powder, baking powder, and allspice until well combined.
3
In a blender, combine the softened butter, honey, vanilla extract, ripe bananas, and water. Blend until smooth, which should yield about 2 1/2 cups of mixture.
4
Pour the blended mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5
Prepare a square baking pan by greasing it with butter and then dusting it liberally with carob powder to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool before slicing into bars.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Moist Carob and Banana Bliss Bars?
They are a wholesome, chocolate-free dessert bar made with ripe bananas and carob powder, perfect for snacks or lunchboxes.
Is this recipe chocolate-free?
Yes, it uses carob powder as a naturally sweet, caffeine-free alternative to cocoa or chocolate.
Can I use white flour instead of whole wheat?
Yes, the recipe notes that you can use white flour as a substitute for whole wheat flour if preferred.
What brand of carob powder is recommended?
The recipe specifically mentions using Chatfield's carob powder for the best flavor results.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 12 servings per batch.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) before beginning.
How long do these bars need to bake?
The bars should be baked in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes.
Can I substitute the butter in this recipe?
While the recipe calls for softened butter, you can use a plant-based butter or coconut oil for a dairy-friendly version.
How do I know when the bars are done?
They are finished when a toothpick inserted into the center of the baking pan comes out clean.
What is the purpose of allspice in this recipe?
Allspice adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the natural sweetness of the bananas and carob.
Can I use frozen bananas for these bars?
Yes, frozen bananas work well; simply ensure they are fully thawed and mashed before blending with the other wet ingredients.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
The recipe tags suggest a gluten-free option; you can try substituting the wheat flour with your favorite gluten-free all-purpose blend.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Grease a square baking pan with butter and then dust it liberally with carob powder to prevent the bars from sticking.
Can I use a different sweetener besides honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives to honey, although it may slightly change the final flavor profile.
Should I mix the ingredients by hand or with a mixer?
The wet and dry ingredients should be stirred together by hand until just combined to ensure the bars remain tender and moist.
What should I do if I do not have a blender?
You can mash the bananas very thoroughly and whisk the wet ingredients together vigorously, although the final texture may be less smooth.
Are these bars suitable for kids' lunchboxes?
Yes, they are a wholesome, nut-free, and chocolate-free treat that is easy to pack and sure to please children.
What is the texture of these bars?
These bars have a moist and dense texture, providing a rich mouthfeel similar to a brownie but with nutritional benefits.
Why use carob powder instead of cocoa powder?
Carob is naturally sweeter, contains no caffeine, and offers unique nutritional benefits compared to traditional cocoa.
How should I store Moist Carob and Banana Bliss Bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for extended freshness.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking would provide a delicious crunch and extra flavor.
How much vanilla extract should I use?
The recipe suggests using between 1/4 and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, depending on your personal taste preference.
What size baking pan is recommended?
A standard square baking pan, such as an 8x8 or 9x9 inch pan, is recommended for this recipe.
Can I freeze these carob banana bars?
Yes, these bars freeze very well; wrap individual portions tightly and store them in the freezer for up to three months.
Why grease the pan with carob powder instead of flour?
Using carob powder to dust the pan maintains the rich dark color and adds a subtle hint of extra flavor to the edges.
What happens if I overmix the batter?
Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in bars that are tough and dense rather than moist and tender.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
As written, the recipe contains butter. However, you can easily make it dairy-free by substituting the butter with a non-dairy oil or spread.
Can I make these bars vegan?
To make them vegan, replace the butter with oil or plant-based butter and substitute the honey with maple syrup.
What is the approximate volume of the blended wet mixture?
The blended mixture of bananas, honey, butter, vanilla, and water should yield approximately 2 1/2 cups.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake them in a 9x13 inch pan, though you should monitor the baking time carefully.