Prepare the Walnuts:
Place 1 cup of walnuts in a blender or food processor and grind them until they reach a fine, crumbly consistency.
Mash the Bananas:
Peel and break the bananas into small pieces. Place them in a bowl and mash using a fork or mixer.
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the mashed bananas to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
Add Flavorings:
Stir in the grated ginger, orange peel, and cinnamon into the mashed banana mixture. Mix well until combined.
Combine Walnuts and Banana Mixture:
Add the ground walnuts to the banana mixture and mix thoroughly until you have a thick, even batter.
Prepare the Baking Pan:
Preheat your oven to 190°C (380°F).
Line a baking dish (about 20×15 cm / 8×6 inch) with parchment paper or grease it with a bit of oil.
Bake the Bars:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Bake for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Cut:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely.
Once cool, cut into bars or squares.
Serve:
Enjoy the bars warm or at room temperature. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and orange zest provides a wonderful aroma and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the bars as a healthy snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Top with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
Pair with Greek yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent treat.
Cooking Tips:
Ginger: Fresh ginger provides the best flavor, but you can use powdered ginger if you don’t have fresh.
Orange Peel: Make sure to only grate the outer peel of the orange (zest) without the bitter white pith.
Texture: For added texture, you can leave some walnut pieces slightly chunkier instead of grinding them completely.
Nutritional Benefits:
Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
Bananas provide natural sweetness and are rich in potassium.
Ginger and cinnamon offer anti-inflammatory properties and boost flavor without added sugar.
Dietary Information:
Gluten-free (naturally flourless)
Vegan
No added sugar (sweetened naturally with bananas)
Dairy-free
Nutritional Facts (per bar, based on 12 bars):
Calories: ~150
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g (from bananas)
Storage:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
It’s naturally sweetened with bananas and packed with healthy fats from walnuts.
The ginger and orange zest add a refreshing, aromatic twist.
It’s easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients.
Perfect for those following gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan diets.
Conclusion
These Walnut Banana Bars are a healthy, flavorful treat that’s easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients. The warm aroma of ginger and cinnamon, combined with the zest of orange, makes these bars perfect for a cozy snack or dessert. Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free indulgence or a naturally sweet snack, these bars are sure to hit the spot.
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