It's tough getting kids to eat veggies, but I have had so much success with these banana bars! They're always a huge hit. I've started making double batches because they disappear so quickly. This recipe doesn't have any refined sugar and will give your child a healthy serving of spinach.
These bars are pretty sweet, you probably won't even notice the spinach. Spinach is a mild green and bananas tend to take over any recipe they're in anyway. I do make a point of telling the kids that spinach is what gives this treat its green hue. While it is affective to hide veggies in yummy snacks without telling them, I believe that it can be more beneficial to let them know. If your kids know that they can enjoy spinach in one of their favorite desserts, they're less likely to cringe the next time you try to put it in their smoothie or on their dinner plate.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium, ripe bananas
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 handfuls of spinach
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- (optional) 1 tsp cinnamon
- (optional) blueberries or chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350
- Mash bananas in medium-large bowl
- Gently whisk egg into mashed bananas just until combined, do not over mix
- Add coconut oil, washed spinach and maple syrup to blender (Note: the amount of maple syrup you choose to use will affect sweetness, but should not have a major effect on consistency)
- Blend until spinach is completely broken down and the mixture reaches a thin, liquid consistency
- Pour spinach mixture into bowl with bananas and egg and mix until combined
- Fold in salt, flour and cinnamon (if using), I recommend doing the flour 1/2 cup at a time
- If adding a mix-in, fold it in now
- Line 8x8 pan with parchment paper and fill with batter
- Bake for 30 minutes or when toothpick comes out clean
- Let cool for 15 minutes, cut into squares and serve
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