Low-Fat Banana Bars Recipe
Description: These soft and delicious Low-Fat Banana Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. With their moist texture and sweet banana flavor, they are a healthier alternative to traditional bars, thanks to the use of applesauce and margarine in place of butter. Top them with a light, creamy frosting for an extra touch of indulgence. Great for serving a crowd or enjoying as a snack, these bars are sure to become a favorite!
Recipe Details
| Category | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 16 bars |
| Yield | Not applicable |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5 based on 12 reviews) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 208.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 4.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 12.3 mg |
| Sodium | 207 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 40.1 g |
| Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugar | 28.6 g |
| Protein | 1.9 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flour (all-purpose) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Applesauce (unsweetened) | 1/4 cup |
| Margarine (softened) | 1/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Milk (low-fat) | 1/3 cup |
| Baking soda | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Bananas (mashed) | 1 large |
| Walnuts (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
| Margarine (for frosting) | 1/4 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Salt (for frosting) | Pinch |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Banana (for frosting) | 1/2 mashed |
Instructions
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Mash the Banana: Start by mashing one large ripe banana in a small bowl with the lemon juice. This will bring out the banana’s natural sweetness and make it easier to incorporate into the batter.
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Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, margarine, egg, and milk. Beat everything together until smooth and well-blended, using an electric mixer on medium speed.
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Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Continue beating the mixture for 2 minutes, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed and that the batter is light and fluffy.
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Add the Mashed Banana: Stir in the mashed banana and continue mixing until it’s fully incorporated into the batter. The banana not only adds moisture but also enhances the flavor.
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Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with margarine or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
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Bake the Bars: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top of the bars should be lightly golden brown.
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Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes, then cut into 16 squares.
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Make the Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat together the margarine, powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and mashed banana for the frosting. The result should be a creamy, spreadable mixture.
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Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of each bar. For an optional garnish, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
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Serve and Enjoy: Let the frosting set for a few minutes, then serve your delicious low-fat banana bars to friends and family. These bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, or as an everyday treat!
Recipe Tips & Variations
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Banana Flavor: For a stronger banana flavor, you can add an extra half a banana to the batter. You can also use overripe bananas, which are naturally sweeter and will make the bars even more moist.
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Frosting Alternatives: If you’re looking to cut down even more on calories, try using a lighter frosting option such as Greek yogurt mixed with a little honey and vanilla extract. This will give you a creamy and healthier alternative.
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Add-Ins: Feel free to experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips, raisins, or dried cranberries. These will add variety and enhance the texture and taste of the bars.
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Nut-Free Option: If you’re serving these to people with nut allergies, simply omit the walnuts and top the bars with shredded coconut or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.
These Low-Fat Banana Bars are a wholesome and guilt-free treat that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re looking to serve them at a party, pack them in school lunches, or simply enjoy them as a snack, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor. The light, airy bars are topped with a smooth banana frosting that makes them irresistible, all while keeping the fat and calorie content in check. Enjoy these delightful bars that everyone can feel good about!
