Chocolate Banana Black Bean Breakfast Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Chocolate Breakfast Bars are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. Packed with bananas, black beans, and oats, they offer a satisfying combination of flavors and textures with a rich chocolate twist.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups Mashed Banana (equivalent to 3 large ripe bananas)
• 1 can Canned Black Beans (drained, rinsed – 15 ounce can/425g)
• 3/4 cup Peanut Butter
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 2 3/4 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 1/3 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 2 tablespoons Almond Milk
• 2-3 tablespoons Chia Seeds
• 1/2 cup Dark Chocolate Chips
• 1/2 cup Walnuts (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal, and lightly oil the pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Drain and rinse the canned black beans using a sieve. Set aside to drain.
3. Step 3: Mash the ripe bananas and measure out exactly 1 1/2 cups.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and drained black beans. Use an immersion blender or food processor to blend until smooth.
5. Step 5: Add the peanut butter, vanilla extract, oats, cocoa powder, almond milk, chia seeds, chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts to the puree.
6. Step 6: Stir thoroughly until the mixture forms a sticky, thick chocolate batter.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, pressing evenly. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top if desired.
8. Step 8: Bake for 30-40 minutes at 350°F (180°C) until the bars are set and dry on top.
9. Step 9: Cool in the pan for 15 minutes. If desired, add more chocolate chips on top to melt and enhance flavor. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift bars out onto a cooling rack.
10. Step 10: Allow to cool completely for about 1 hour before slicing into 12 bars.
11. Step 11: Slice and serve with a dollop of your favorite yogurt or enjoy plain for a tasty breakfast.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the batter for a subtle, warming spice.
• Use gluten-free oats to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities.
• Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds according to your preference.
• Press extra chocolate chips into the top before baking for a gooey chocolate layer.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans other than black beans?

Black beans work best for texture and flavor, but you can experiment with pinto or kidney beans. Make sure to drain and rinse them well to avoid a strong bean taste.

Are these bars suitable for kids?

Yes, these bars are a healthy and tasty option for kids, provided they have no allergies to ingredients like nuts or chocolate. The natural sweetness from bananas helps appeal to younger palates.

Chocolate Banana Black Bean Breakfast Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 148 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Chocolate Breakfast Bars are a nutritious and delicious start to your day, combining the natural sweetness of bananas with protein-rich black beans, rolled oats, and peanut butter. Infused with cocoa powder and studded with dark chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts, these bars are baked to perfection for a wholesome and satisfying breakfast or snack option.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups Mashed Banana (equivalent to 3 large ripe bananas)
• 1 can Canned Black Beans (drained, rinsed, 15 ounce can/425g)
• 3/4 cup Peanut Butter
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 2 3/4 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 1/3 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 2 tablespoons Almond Milk
• 2–3 tablespoons Chia Seeds
• 1/2 cup Dark Chocolate Chips (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup Walnuts, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. Lightly oil the pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Prepare Black Beans: Open the can of black beans, drain them using a sieve, and rinse quickly under cold water. Leave them in the sieve while you prepare other ingredients.
3. Mash Bananas: Mash ripe bananas thoroughly and measure out exactly 1 1/2 cups for consistent texture.
4. Blend Beans and Bananas: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and drained black beans. Use an immersion blender or food processor to blend until the mixture forms a smooth puree.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients: To the puree, add peanut butter, vanilla extract, rolled oats, cocoa powder, almond milk, chia seeds, chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts.
6. Mix Batter: Stir all ingredients thoroughly, pressing the mixture together to create a sticky, thick chocolate batter.
7. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and press it down evenly. Optionally, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for more sweetness.
8. Bake: Bake the bars at 350°F (180°C) for 30-40 minutes, until the top is dry and set.
9. Cool and Add Topping: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then sprinkle additional chocolate chips so they melt slightly. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars onto a cooling rack.
10. Finish Cooling: Let the bars cool completely for about 1 hour before slicing.
11. Serve: Slice into 12 bars and serve as a breakfast treat with yogurt or enjoy plain.

Notes

• Rinsing the canned black beans removes excess sodium and improves flavor.
• Use natural or creamy peanut butter for best texture and taste.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats add a hearty chew, but quick oats can be used in a pinch.
• Chia seeds help to bind the bars and add nutritional value.
• Dark chocolate chips can be adjusted based on preferred sweetness.
• Walnuts add crunch and healthy fats; other nuts can be substituted if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: chocolate breakfast bars, healthy breakfast, vegan bars, baked oatmeal bars, black bean breakfast bars, peanut butter bars