For 3 months now, I’ve been nut-free because I’m only eating Autoimmune-compliant paleo foods. And for 3 months now, I’ve been missing the convenience and tasty treat a Larabar always offered me while on-the-go.
A few weeks ago, however, I saw a Banana Bread Larabar at the store and a light bulb went off (as I stood there, eyes glazed over and frothing at the mouth longing for my long-lost-friend: the nut). With the magic of bananas, I could recreate this flavor of their awesome bars without nuts!
No, seriously, I did. And they’re fan-freaking-tastic. If you were a 20-something, you’d even say we Nailed it. Have you guessed how we did it yet?
Banana Bread Balls
Vegan, Paleo AND Autoimmune-friendly!
Ingredients
- 1 C unsweetened banana chips (look for a brand that has 2 ingredients: bananas, coconut oil)
- 1 C coconut flakes plus extra for rolling the balls in
- 1 C soft medjool dates
- 1 C dried whole bananas, cut into 2″ pieces (about the same size as the dates)*
*if you can’t find these, 1 more cup of dates will work – but the results won’t be as banana-y
Instructions
- ♥ Using your hands, do your best to break the banana chips into smaller pieces (about 1/3 the size, smashing with a rolling pin, is ideal but skipping this step is fine if you have a decent food processor).
- ♥ Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse until they come together to form a ball when molded in your hand – about 5 minutes and the banana chips will be 1/4″ shards
- ♥ Form tablespoon size balls (or mustaches, as the situation may require) and roll them into the coconut flakes. This isn’t necessary, but will make this a less messy, sticky snack.
- ♥ EAT!
If you don’t eat them all right away, you can store them at room temperature for probably quite a while – although if more than a few days, we recommend refrigeration – where they’ll stay for months, probably.
Given the fact that these are gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and seed-free as well as being stable at room temperature they make a PERFECT school snack or treat. I have to admit, though, Matt and I happily enjoyed our fair share too!
I can’t wait to figure out new combinations of flavors to make using banana chips instead of nuts; I feel like a whole new world just opened up!
