Banana Pecan Snack Bars

Name: Banana Pecan Snack Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Highlighted under: Golden Crust & Sweet Cravings

Deliciously moist and chewy, these Banana Pecan Snack Bars are the perfect on-the-go treat or a delightful afternoon snack.

Created by

Sandra

Last updated on 2026-01-03T14:06:31.309Z

These Banana Pecan Snack Bars are a delightful blend of ripe bananas and crunchy pecans, making them a nutritious and satisfying option for any time of the day. Perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack, they are easy to prepare and can be stored for days!

        Why You'll Love These Bars
        Moist and flavorful, packed with banana goodness
Crunchy pecans add a delightful texture
Quick and easy to make with pantry staples
Perfectly portable for busy lifestyles

      

A Healthy Snack Option

In today's fast-paced world, finding healthy snacks can be challenging. These Banana Pecan Snack Bars not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also provide essential nutrients. Packed with ripe bananas, they offer a natural sweetness along with potassium, which is vital for heart health and muscle function. The addition of whole wheat flour and oats ensures that you’re getting a good dose of fiber, helping to keep you full and energized throughout the day.

Unlike many store-bought snacks that are loaded with artificial ingredients and preservatives, these bars are made from wholesome, pantry-staple ingredients. By making them at home, you can control the sweetness and adjust the flavors to suit your preferences. You can even experiment with different nuts or seeds if pecans aren't your favorite. This flexibility allows you to create a snack that truly aligns with your dietary needs.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Meal prepping is an effective way to stay on track with healthy eating, and these Banana Pecan Snack Bars are ideal for preparing in advance. You can whip up a batch on the weekend and have a delicious snack ready to grab throughout the week. They store well at room temperature for a few days or can be refrigerated to extend their freshness. Simply cut them into bars and place them in an airtight container for easy access.

These bars are also customizable, making them a versatile addition to your meal prep routine. If you're looking for a protein boost, consider adding in some nut butter or protein powder to the mixture. You can also swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds, giving you a new flavor profile each time you make them. This adaptability ensures that you never get bored with your snacks!

The Ideal On-the-Go Snack

Whether you're rushing out the door for work, hitting the gym, or heading on a road trip, these Banana Pecan Snack Bars are the perfect portable snack. Their chewy texture and delightful flavors make them a satisfying treat that can easily fit into your bag or lunchbox. Unlike traditional granola bars that can be overly processed and filled with sugar, these homemade bars provide a wholesome alternative that you can feel good about indulging in.

Not only are they great for adults, but kids will love them too! Packed with natural sweetness, they're an excellent way to introduce healthy snacks to your family's diet. Serve them as an after-school snack or pack them for a fun treat during family outings. With their appealing taste and satisfying crunch, these bars will quickly become a favorite for everyone.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Banana Pecan Snack Bars.

For the Bars

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start mixing!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Banana Pecan Snack Bars.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.

Bake

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.

Enjoy your homemade Banana Pecan Snack Bars as a delicious snack or breakfast option!

Serving Suggestions

These Banana Pecan Snack Bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate your snacking experience by pairing them with a variety of accompaniments. Try spreading a thin layer of almond butter or peanut butter on top for an added protein boost and a rich flavor contrast. You can also enjoy them with a side of yogurt or a fresh fruit salad for a more balanced snack.

For a creative twist, crumble the bars over your morning oatmeal or yogurt parfait. This not only adds texture but also infuses your breakfast with the delightful flavors of bananas and pecans. You can even use them as a base for a healthy dessert by drizzling melted dark chocolate over the top and letting it set before serving.

Storage Tips

To ensure your Banana Pecan Snack Bars remain fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them for longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their shelf life up to two weeks. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

For even longer storage, these snack bars freeze exceptionally well. Simply wrap each bar in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy one, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes, or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm, gooey treat.

Nutritional Benefits

These Banana Pecan Snack Bars are not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The ripe bananas provide natural sugars along with fiber and essential vitamins like Vitamin C and B6. This makes them a great energy source, especially before or after workouts.

Pecans are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and essential minerals like manganese and copper, which contribute to heart health and brain function. The oats and whole wheat flour add complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy, making these bars a perfect choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds would work great as substitutes.

→ How do I store the bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

→ Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Yes! Substitute honey with maple syrup and ensure the applesauce is unsweetened.