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Chocolate Banana Cacao Bars

Deliciously moist and rich bars combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with intense cacao, perfect for satisfying any sweet craving without guilt.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 5 pieces very ripe bananas with brown spots The riper, the better for natural sweetness.
  • 4 pieces eggs Room temperature eggs work best.
  • 3/4 cup cottage cheese Can substitute with Greek yogurt.
  • 1/4 cup honey Maple syrup can be used for a vegan option.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Use pure extract for best flavor.
  • 3/4 cup cacao powder Use high-quality unsweetened cacao.
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder Helps the bars rise nicely.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness.
  • 1/3 cup chocolate chips Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate.
  • to taste flaky salt for finishing Elevates flavors when sprinkled on top.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Peel ripe bananas and place them in a blender or food processor. Blend with eggs, cottage cheese, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth, about 30 seconds.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together cacao powder, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Pour the banana mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently fold until just incorporated.
  5. Fold in the chocolate chips and pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
  6. Spread the batter evenly and top with additional chocolate chips.
Baking
  1. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center should jiggle slightly.
  2. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before sprinkling with flaky salt and cutting into squares.

Notes

Check bars at 35 minutes, as oven times may vary. Avoid overmixing to ensure soft bars. Store in an airtight container for optimal freshness.