Banana Protein Bars (Flourless, Vegan)

Name: Banana Protein Bars (Flourless, Vegan)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 3 large ripe bananas ((brown spots on its skin but not over ripe)); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp chia seeds ((soaked in 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp warm water)); 3/4 cup hempseeds; 2 cups almond flour ((or hazelnut flour)); 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt

Published on January 17, 2018 Updated on February 13, 2023 By Gunjan 30 Comments

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Easy and nutritious, these Banana Protein Bars are flourless and vegan made without protein powder. Its freezer friendly and a favorite pre-workout energy booster snack.

stacked banana protein bars with some as the backdrop too.

I often like to add natural superfood proteins in my recipes to make them as wholefood and as organic as possible.

Bananas are always in abundance in my house because I have active kids. So, with leftover bananas, I often bake my banana brownies or sometimes I just blend banana shake.

Since, I am very particular about my exercises I constantly need protein snacks to fuel myself and so I made these vegan banana protein bars.

Why you will love these

easy and one bowl
vegan and flourless
gluten free
no added sugar
freezer friendly
only 7 ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients notes

Banana – we need ripe bananas which means there should be brown spots on its skin. Do not use over ripe bananas in this recipe.

Almond flour – I have tested this recipe with hazelnut flour also and tastes amazing. However, almond flour is always easily available so I wanted to give both options to my readers to enjoy this banana protein bar recipe.

Chia seeds – these add protein and helps bind and fluff at the at same time.

Hempseeds – They adds protein sufficiently along with healthy fats and fiber in these homemade banana protein bars.

half eaten banana protein bar at top of its stack.

For detailed measurement of ingredients, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to make

Firstly, with a food masher, I mashed the bananas along with vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl as smooth as possible. This take about 2-3 minutes.

Secondly, I stirred in soaked chia seeds for a nice thick base.

Next I added hempseeds to it and mixed it well until all the ingredients blended well.

hempseeds stirred in the same mixing bowl.

Thereafter, I folded in almond flour, baking powder and salt. Then, I mixed it well into a thick batter.

Afterwards, I spooned it out in a prepared 8 inch square baking pan. Then, I shaped it according to the pan.

Henceforth, I placed it in the middle rack of the preheated oven at 325 degree Fahrenheit for 45 minutes.

Once done, I turned off the oven and let it rest in the warm oven for 1 minute.

Next, I took it out and placed it on a flat counter and let it cool. The cooling process also helps in firming up these banana bars.

fresh baked banana protein bars in the baking pan cooling down.

When it was little easy to handle, I gently pulled out the parchment paper along with the baked banana protein bars and placed it on a flat working counter.

Once completely cooled at room temperature, I sliced it into 12 pieces and we enjoyed them.

a 45 degree angle view of stacked banana protein bars.

My kids loved them as well and often enjoy for breakfast.

I like to fuel myself with it before my workouts.

Variations

Chocolate chips – after shaping the batter, sprinkle 3-4 tbsp dairy free chocolate chips over it and then bake.

Maple syrup – taste test the batter before shaping in the pan. If desired add 1-2 tsp maple syrup. Or after baking you may drizzle maple syrup on your slices just like pancakes.

Chocolate syrup – you may drizzle chocolate syrup on the baked banana protein bars and then slice. Or else you may slice and the drizzle chocolate syrup or melted chocolate on your piece as per your taste.

Storing

Room temperature – after slicing keep them in a container with a light lid at room tempreature for a day to enjoy.

Refrigerator – Once cooled and sliced at room temperature, refrigerate them in an air tight container for about 1 week. You may enjoy them as is or microwave for 10-15 seconds. You may oven toast for 3 minutes too.

Freeze – After completely cooling and slicing, store the banana bar slices in a Ziploc bag and freeze them for about 1 month. You may oven toast them for 5 minutes. For a softer protein bar you may microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Expert tips

It is important to mash the bananas until they are liquidy for the batter to form as desired.
Soak chia seeds until jelly like consistency so that the crunch is not too prominent in the final result.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are these healthy?

These banana protein bars are made with whole foods and packed with nutrition like potassium, magnesium, protein, fiber and other vitamins and minerals. Hence, they are healthy and can be enjoyed every day.

Are these chewy or very soft?

These are different from the store bought ones. They are chewy but not hard. They are soft but firm. They have a pancake like texture but are firm like a protein bar.

How do these taste like?

They have a very prominent taste of banana and are moderately sweet. However, if you make these with variations as I have mentioned in this recipe, the sweetness varies. There is slight crunch form the addition of superfood seeds in these bars which is a complete delight and is satisfying.

a hand placing a half eaten banana protein bar on its stack.

More protein snacks

No Bake Protein Cookies
Raspberry Bars
Coffee Hemp Energy Balls
No Bake Oatmeal Protein Balls

This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you click on them and make a purchase, I will get a small commission. Moreover, I share only those products which I use personally and love.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did. I am very excited to hear back from you.

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Did you make it?
If you get a chance to make this recipe then please leave your feedback in the comments below along with a 5-star rating.

In addition, you may checkout my cookbook for everyday comfort vegan recipes.

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5 from 4 votes