Delicious Vegan Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Bars: A Wholesome Treat for Everyone
The delightful combination of banana and chocolate has always held a special place in my heart, often sparking cravings that lead to new culinary adventures. Recently, this particular craving intensified, focusing on how I could incorporate ripe bananas into a chewy, decadent bar. While my initial thoughts drifted towards adding banana to the oatmeal layer of classic Revel Bars, my path ultimately led me to create something equally, if not more, satisfying: these incredible Vegan Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Bars.
These bars are more than just a sweet indulgence; they’re a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to form a truly extraordinary treat. Perfect for anyone seeking a dairy-free or egg-free option, or simply those who appreciate a flavorful, moist, and satisfying dessert, these bars are packed with the natural sweetness of bananas, the earthy crunch of walnuts, and the comforting richness of chocolate chips. They’re wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to enjoy all the goodness without compromising on taste or texture. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just exploring plant-based options, this recipe promises to be a delightful addition to your repertoire.
The Heart of Vegan Baking: Flax Eggs and Dairy-Free Spreads
Crafting these banana bars with a vegan twist was a rewarding challenge, primarily focusing on smart substitutions for traditional eggs and butter. This recipe is a thoughtful modification of an existing favorite, carefully adapted to ensure it remains accessible to a wider audience, including those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Mastering the Flax Egg: Your Go-To Egg Substitute
One of the cornerstone substitutions in this vegan version is the flax egg. For those unfamiliar, a flax egg is a simple yet effective binder made by combining ground flaxseed with water. When allowed to sit for a few minutes, this mixture develops a gelatinous, egg-like consistency that works wonders in baked goods, providing structure and moisture without any animal products. For this recipe, 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of hot water perfectly replaces one large egg. The hot water helps to activate the mucilage in the flaxseed more quickly, ensuring a proper bind. This not only makes the bars vegan but also adds a boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. If you’re not going for a vegan version, a single large egg works just as well.
Choosing the Right Vegan Butter or Spread
The choice of fat is equally important in vegan baking. For these bars, a high-quality non-dairy spread is essential. When selecting a vegan butter alternative, look for one that has at least 90 calories per tablespoon. This caloric density usually indicates a higher fat content, which is crucial for achieving the desired richness, texture, and proper spread in your baked goods. Many excellent vegan butter brands are available today, offering a neutral flavor profile that won’t overpower the delicious banana and chocolate notes. If you’re opting for the traditional version, regular salted or unsalted butter can be used, with a slight adjustment to the added salt in the recipe if using a salted variety.
This photograph captures the bars right after they emerged from the oven, revealing their delightfully moist interior. While they are certainly tempting at this stage, a little patience goes a long way. These bars truly reach their peak flavor and optimal set texture once they have completely cooled. The cooling process allows the ingredients to meld further, the texture to firm up, and the flavors to deepen, resulting in a more cohesive and enjoyable experience. Resisting the urge to cut into them immediately can be tough, but the reward is a perfectly structured bar that holds its shape beautifully and delivers an even richer taste.
Key Ingredients for Unforgettable Flavor and Texture
Each ingredient in these Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Bars plays a vital role in creating their irresistible taste and perfect consistency. Understanding the contribution of each component can elevate your baking experience and help you achieve the best results.
The Magic of Ripe Bananas
The star of the show, ripe bananas, are crucial. Not just yellow, but spotty brown or even mostly brown bananas are ideal. As bananas ripen, their starches convert to sugars, intensifying their natural sweetness and making them incredibly soft and easy to mash or puree. This sweetness reduces the need for excessive added sugar, and their moisture content keeps the bars wonderfully soft and chewy. For this recipe, approximately 1 ½ ripe bananas, yielding a little over ¾ cup when mashed or pureed, provide the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. Mashing them thoroughly ensures an even distribution throughout the batter.
The Wholesome Crunch of Walnuts
Walnuts add a fantastic textural contrast and a rich, earthy flavor that beautifully complements the sweet bananas and chocolate. Toasted walnut pieces are specified in the recipe, and this step is worth the extra minute. Toasting walnuts brings out their natural oils and deepens their nutty flavor, adding another layer of complexity to the bars. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant, then let them cool before chopping and adding to the batter.
The Decadent Touch of Chocolate Chips
For the vegan version, using semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped vegan-approved chocolate is key. Many brands now offer delicious dairy-free chocolate chips that melt beautifully and provide that quintessential chocolatey goodness. The bitterness of semi-sweet chocolate perfectly balances the sweetness of the bananas, creating a harmonious flavor profile. Ensure your chosen chocolate is certified vegan if adhering strictly to a plant-based diet.
Oats for Texture and Heartiness
Whether you choose quick-cooking oats or old-fashioned oats (buzzed briefly in a food processor for a finer texture), oats contribute a lovely chewiness and a wholesome, hearty element to the bars. They absorb moisture from the batter, helping to create a tender crumb and a satisfying mouthfeel. This addition also makes the bars feel a bit more substantial, perfect for a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack.
Step-by-Step Baking Guide: Achieving Perfection
Follow these detailed steps to ensure your Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Bars turn out perfectly every time.
Prepping for Success
Before you begin mixing, always preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Proper oven temperature is crucial for even baking and achieving the right texture. Next, prepare your baking pan. An 8-inch square pan is ideal for these bars. Lining it with non-stick foil or parchment paper is a simple yet effective step that prevents sticking and makes lifting the cooled bars out of the pan incredibly easy for clean, precise cuts. Ensure the foil or parchment extends slightly over the edges to create “handles” for easy removal.
Mixing the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour (all-purpose unbleached or white whole wheat), salt, and baking soda. Sifting them beforehand can help prevent lumps, though a good whisking usually suffices. In a separate, larger mixing bowl, begin by beating together the softened unsalted butter (or vegan spread) and light brown sugar. Creaming these together until light and fluffy is important as it incorporates air, contributing to the bars’ tender texture. Once creamed, beat in your chosen egg substitute (the flax egg mixture or a large egg), followed by the mashed or pureed ripe bananas, and vanilla extract. Ensure these wet ingredients are well combined and smooth.
Bringing it All Together
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet banana mixture. Stir gently until just absorbed. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, so stop as soon as the streaks of flour disappear. Finally, gently fold in the quick-cooking oats (or processed old-fashioned oats), semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped vegan chocolate), and the toasted walnut pieces. Distribute these mix-ins evenly throughout the batter. Spread the prepared batter evenly into your lined 8-inch square pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Baking and Cooling for Optimal Results
Bake the bars for approximately 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the bars. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is critical. As mentioned earlier, cooling allows the bars to set properly, firming up their texture and intensifying their flavors. Once completely cooled, use the foil or parchment handles to lift the entire slab of bars from the pan. Then, cut them into 16 squares or 12 larger bars, depending on your preferred serving size.
Tips for Success and Delicious Variations
To ensure your Vegan Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Bars are always a hit, keep these tips in mind and don’t hesitate to experiment with variations.
Baking Tips for Perfect Bars
- Use Very Ripe Bananas: This cannot be stressed enough. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more moist your bars will be. Brown spots are your friend!
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense bars instead of light and chewy ones. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust Salt: If you use salted vegan spread or regular salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon to prevent the bars from becoming too salty.
- Cool Completely: Patience is key. Cooling the bars fully allows them to set, making them easier to cut and improving their overall texture and flavor.
- Storage: Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Exciting Flavor Variations
- Nutty Alternatives: Instead of walnuts, try toasted pecans, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts for a different crunch.
- Spice it Up: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warmer, spicier flavor profile.
- Fruity Additions: Fold in a ¼ cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots along with the chocolate chips for extra fruity sweetness and chewiness.
- Coconut Love: A ¼ cup of shredded unsweetened coconut can add a lovely tropical note and texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum.
- Chocolate Varieties: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips – milk chocolate (if not vegan), dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor dynamic.
We’d Love Your Feedback! Share Your Experience with These Vegan Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Bars!
Your culinary journey with this recipe is important to us! If you’ve had the chance to bake these delightful Vegan Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Bars, please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts. Did you try a fun variation? What did you love most about them? Your feedback helps us and other home bakers refine their skills and discover new favorites. We can’t wait to hear what you think!
Discover More Dairy-Free and Vegan Treats
If you loved these Vegan Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Bars, you’ll be thrilled to explore more delicious dairy-free and vegan recipes from our collection. Here are a few to get you started on your next baking adventure:
- Indulgent Dairy-Free Chocolate Pie
- Classic Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chewy Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Chunk Cookies
- Hearty Wheat and Flax Bread
- Decadent Chocolate Chip Walnut Bars
Recipe: Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Bars (Vegan Option)
Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Bars (Vegan Option)
Cookie Madness
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup all purpose unbleached flour or white whole wheat
- ½ teaspoon salt use ¼ if using salted vegan spread
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened, or vegan spread
- ½ cup light brown sugar firmly packed
- 1 large egg or 1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons hot water**
- 1 ½ ripe bananas mashed or pureed (a little over ¾ cup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup quick cooking oats or old fashioned oats buzzed in processor
- ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped vegan approved chocolate
- ⅓ cup toasted walnut pieces
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8 inch square pan with non-stick foil or parchment.
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Mix together flour, salt and baking soda.
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In a mixing bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar. Beat in egg (or flax), bananas and vanilla.
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Add flour mixture to banana mixture and stir until absorbed, then stir in oats, chocolate chips and walnuts. Spread batter in the pan and bake for 25 minutes or until set. Set pan on a rack to cool, then lift from pan and cut into 16 squares or 12 bars.