Recipe Friday: Two Easy Banana Recipes

May 31, 2013 | Written By: Healthy Schools Campaign

We’ve got recipes for two banana treats, easy for busy families on the go this summer!

At Healthy Schools Campaign, we’re going bananas. (And not just because we’re getting ready to kick off Cooking up Change in Washington, DC!)

Yes, we’ve got two banana treats this week, and they’re both easy for busy families. We’ve shared the virtues of “banana ice cream” on this blog before, but soy milk and vanilla add creaminess and depth of flavor to this healthy summertime treat. And the banana-oat bars are great for an extra boost to start the day or when traveling.

Banana-Vanilla ‘Ice Cream’

You’ll Need:

• 3-4 diced frozen bananas

• 1/3 c vanilla soy milk

• Vanilla extract

• Dash almond extract (optional)

• Add-ins of your choice (Nutella, slivered almonds, raisins, strawberries, etc)

How to Make It:

1. Combine bananas, soy milk and vanilla in a blender. Blend until smooth.

2. Stir in add-in ingredients if desired

3. Serve immediately for soft-serve texture; mixture can also be frozen.  

Easy Banana-Oat Bars (via The Kitchn)

You’ll Need:

• 2 large, very ripe bananas

• 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

• 1/4 cup pitted, chopped dried dates

• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g. walnuts, hazelnuts or pecans)

• Grated nutmeg or cinnamon (optional)

How To Make It:

1. Heat the oven to 350°F.

2. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch square baking dish with olive oil or butter.

3. Peel bananas and mash into a medium mixing bowl until no large chunks remain.

4. Stir in the vanilla, if using. Add the oats and stir them in. Stir in the salt, dates, and nuts.

5. Pat the thick mixture evenly into the baking pan. If desired, sprinkle the top lightly with nutmeg or cinnamon.

6. Bake for 30 minutes or until the edges just begin to crisp up.

7. Place the baking pan on a rack to cool. When the pan is mostly cool, cut into bars and enjoy!