No Bake Banana Bread Bites recipe - easy & healthy! (2024)

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This No Bake Banana Bread Bites recipe gives you all the flavor of classic banana bread without baking! Combine ripe bananas, oatmeal, cinnamon, vanilla, and chocolate chips to get a tasty homemade energy bite that gives you a natural energy boost with clean eating ingredients. You don't even need a stove to get the cozy homemade flavors!

Love banana bread? Also, try myHealthy Banana Muffins,Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars, and Healthy Blueberry Banana Bread.

No Bake Banana Bread Bites recipe - easy & healthy! (1)

No Bake Banana Bread Bites Recipe

This No Bake Banana Bread Bites recipe is the perfect little bite of healthy goodness. It has all of your favorite banana bread flavors packed into a small package that's mixed together easily and doesn't need to be baked or put in the oven at all. Sure freshly Baked Banana Bread or Banana Bread Muffins are fabulous, but it's nice to be able to get that familiar, cozy banana flavor, without going to the trouble of actually baking.

If you aren't familiar with energy bites or energy balls, they are tasty, poppable snacks that are mixed together often with oats, nut butter, and different flavors to make them taste familiar. In this case, I used ripe bananas, peanut butter, oatmeal, coconut, cinnamon, and vanilla. The right combination of ingredients makes them stick together without baking and you can easily roll them into little bites.

Thus, this is the absolute perfect No Bake Banana Bread. No oven, no eggs, no baking powder- no fuss!

YUM! No Bake Banana Bread Bites from Running in a SkirtClick to Tweet

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Why You'll Love this No Bake Banana Bread Bites recipe...

  • NO OVEN! Yes, you really don't have to bake these No Bake Banana Bread Bites.
  • They are a great after school snack and easy for kids to make.
  • These babies are full of natural energy from oats and bananas. Plus you satisfy that sweet tooth with just a few dark chocolate chips.
  • They are kid and adult-friendly!
  • They are super tasty and easy to make.
  • This No Bake Banana Bread Bites recipe takes less than 10 minutes to put together!
  • They also are a great way to use up those overripe bananas when you don't have time to actually bake.
  • You can freeze them and make them ahead of time. Freezer friendly!
  • They really do taste like banana bread but with no baking time.

No Bake Banana Bread Bites recipe - easy & healthy! (3)

Ingredients:

Most of the ingredients for this No Bake Banana Bread Bites recipe are probably already in your pantry. This is just an overview, so keep scrolling for the full recipe totals.

  • Quick Cooking Oats: You can use any type of oatmeal for this including quick-cooking oats, old-fashioned oats, or even gluten-free oats. I like using quick-cooking oats because it gives the mixture a more even texture. The smaller oats also give the mixture more of a bread consistency.
  • Ripe Bananas: Look for very ripe bananas that are starting to get brown spots. The more spots the sweeter it is! You'll make your mashed bananas from these.
  • Peanut Butter: I add peanut butter to the mixture so there will be something sticky to make everything form into a ball. You could substitute almond butter.
  • Coconut: The coconut isn't a traditional banana bread ingredient, but I love the natural sweetness it adds to these. You can leave it out if you don't like coconut.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Chocolate chips are the perfect combination with banana bread.
  • Chia Seeds: Chia seeds plump up when added to this mixture, help with the bites sticking together, and add health benefits like omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
  • Vanilla: Vanilla is a key flavor in banana bread, so I added it here too.
  • Cinnamon: Cinnamon is another great flavor that brings out the familiar banana bread flavor, without baking.

Substitutions?

You can also easily make these gluten-free by using gluten-free oats! If you need or want to make this vegan or dairy-free you can switch out to these chocolate chips. If you have a peanut allergy feel free to use another nut or seed butter like this almond butter.

Instructions:

Here's an overview of how to make No Bake Banana Bread recipe, but keep scrolling for a full printable recipe.

  1. In a medium bowl, mash the bananas well with a fork. Mix all the other ingredients - oatmeal, peanut butter, coconuts, chocolate chips, chia seeds, vanilla, and cinnamon- together until well combined. This will be your batter. You can also use a food processor.
  2. Divide the "dough" into 12-15 portions. Form into balls.
  3. Place on a cookie sheet to firm up in the fridge.
  4. Once they are set, transfer and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days.

If you need a new set of Tupperware, I love THIS one.

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FAQ

Variations:

I love this No Bake Banana Bread recipe as written, but here are some fun ways to mix it up.

  • Make it Sweeter: Add some honey or maple syrup.
  • Make it Nutty: Add peanuts, pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
  • Make it Plain: Leave out the coconut and chocolate chips.
  • Make it Vegan: Use vegan chocolate chips.

Storage & Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze any extras for up to three months.

Can I use gluten-free oats instead of regular oats?

Yes, that's an easy swap and the recipe still works well.

How ripe do the bananas need to be?

They can be super spotted to start to turn brown. Bananas continue to sweeten as they ripen, so the older the banana the better. It also makes them easier to mash.

And oh yes... happy non-baking! I hope you enjoy my delightful No Bake Banana Bread Bites recipe as a healthy snack for kids, on the go, or even as an evening snack! This easy recipe is classic, healthy, and filled with goodness. Mom tested and kid approved.

YUM! No Bake Banana Bread Bites from Running in a SkirtClick to Tweet

More No Bake Bites to Try:

  • No Bake Carrot Cake Bites
  • 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Bites
  • No Bake Chunky Monkey Energy Bites
  • No Bake Apple Pie Bites
  • 4 Ingredient Nutella Energy Bites

More Tasty Healthy Banana Bread Variations:

  • Healthy Banana Muffins
  • Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars
  • Clean Eating No Bake Banana Bread Bites

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram,Pinterest, andFacebook too!

No Bake Banana Bread Bites recipe - easy & healthy! (5)

Clean Eating No Bake Banana Bread Bites

Julie Wunder

This No Bake Banana Bread Bites recipe gives you all the flavor of classic banana bread without baking! Combine ripe bananas, oatmeal, cinnamon, vanilla, and chocolate chips to get a tasty homemade energy bite that gives you a natural energy boost with clean eating ingredients. You don't even need a stove to get the cozy homemade flavors!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 15

Calories 126 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Mix all ingredients until completely combined.

  • Roll into small ping pong sized balls and place on a cookie sheet. Allow to firm up in the fridge for about an hour.

  • Once firm, transfer to an airtight container for storage. Keep in the fridge.

Notes

Variations:

I love this No Bake Banana Bread recipe as written, but here are some fun ways to mix it up.

  • Make it Sweeter: Add some honey or maple syrup.
  • Make it Nutty: Add peanuts, pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
  • Make it Plain: Leave out the coconut and chocolate chips.

Storage & Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze any extras for up to three months.

Nutrition

Calories: 126kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 42mgPotassium: 161mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Banana Bread Bites, No Bake Banana Bread

Tried this recipe?Mention @Julie_Wunder or tag #RunninginaSkirt!

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No Bake Banana Bread Bites recipe - easy & healthy! (6)

No Bake Banana Bread Bites recipe - easy & healthy! (2024)

FAQs

Is banana bread healthy or unhealthy? ›

You can certainly include banana bread in a healthy diet, but this dish should be considered a dessert. Keep in mind that not all foods are created to be healthy. For example, cakes, ice cream, and sweet breads aren't meant to be the most nutritious foods you can eat. Desserts may not be a part of your everyday diet.

Why does banana bread have to sit overnight? ›

Once a loaf of banana bread is fully baked and taken out of the oven, it's crucial to allow it to fully cool. Banana bread retains heat, especially in the center of the loaf. If the loaf is still warm once it's wrapped for storage, condensation can form, which can lead to mold.

Why do you not put baking powder in banana bread? ›

As a general rule, you can use either baking soda OR baking powder in banana bread – both ingredients will make your banana bread rise. While baking soda will react with acidic ingredients in the batter to raise your bread, baking powder can leaven banana bread without the addition of acidic ingredients.

Why can't you use ripe bananas for banana bread? ›

If they smell off, that's another good indicator that they are no longer okay to use. Rotten bananas will often have a fermented or alcohol-like smell. While it's okay if the banana peel is dark brown or even black, if the inside is too, then the fruit is beyond ripe and now on its way to rotten.

Is banana bread good for losing weight? ›

Banana Bread Nutrition

One slice of banana-nut bread may contain as many as 543 calories and 25 grams of fat. If you're trying to eat between 1,200 and 1,500 calories per day -- an often recommended number for weight loss -- this slice amounts to between 36 and 45 percent of your total daily calories.

Is banana healthy for weight loss? ›

Although there are no studies that directly examine the effects of banana on weight, they're high in fiber and low in calories. When included as part of a balance diet, bananas may help support weight loss goals. People who want to improve their health are often advised to eat more fruits and vegetables.

What happens when you put too much banana in banana bread? ›

Using too much banana could make your bread heavy and damp in the center, causing it to appear undercooked and unappealing. If you have bananas leftover, you can always freeze them for later use.

Should you refrigerate banana bread batter before baking? ›

Timing: It is generally recommended to refrigerate the batter for no more than 24 hours [1]. Beyond that, the leavening agents in the batter may lose their effectiveness, resulting in a denser final product.

Should homemade banana bread be refrigerated? ›

Refrigerating banana bread can dull flavor and impact the texture, says Roszkowski, which is why some bakers prefer room temperature storage, but refrigerating also extends the life of banana bread.

What happens if I forgot to put baking soda in my banana bread? ›

Believe it or not, you can make a delicious loaf of banana bread without baking soda that is moist, soft, and fluffy with the help of baking powder! It won't rise quite as much, but it will still be absolutely delicious and tender packed with flavor from brown bananas and ground cinnamon.

Why did my banana bread turn green? ›

*The chlorophyll in sunflower seeds may react with baking soda, causing the center of the bread to turn a green color when cool. This is completely harmless! To help keep bread from turning green, you can reduce baking soda by half, or a splash of lemon juice in the batter may also help.

Why do I taste baking soda in my banana bread? ›

Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) is the raising agent and this can sometimes taste bitter or soapy if the wrong quantity is used. Make sure that you measure the bicarbonate of soda with a proper 1 teaspoon/5ml measuring spoon and the spoon measurement should be level.

Are black bananas safe to eat? ›

The Takeaway

Completely black bananas are likely safe to consume as long as there is no visible mold, a rotten smell, or the fruit inside is black. If none of these are true and your bananas are simply black, your best bet is to cook with them rather than eat them raw.

How late is too late to use bananas for banana bread? ›

The best bananas for banana bread aren't yellow; they're black. Or they're at least streaked with black/brown, with just the barest hint of green at the stem. And again, the darker the better: there's no such thing as a too-ripe banana when you're making banana bread.

Are overripe bananas bad for you? ›

Good news for Team Ripe Banana: Extremely ripe bananas—even those with a completely black peel—are likely safe to eat.

What are the benefits of banana bread in the body? ›

Having good nutrients can boost energy and help perform daily activities better. Banana bread has healthy fats due to the presence of monounsaturated fats. It comes from ingredients like nuts and olive oil. Moreover, it also has the ability to balance blood sugar levels and lowering the level of cholesterol.

Is bread considered healthy or unhealthy? ›

The highly processed flour and additives in white, packaged bread can make it unhealthful. Consuming too much white bread can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. However, buying bread with the word “whole” as the first ingredient still does not guarantee a healthful product. It is only the first step.

How bad is too bad for banana bread? ›

In my experience, using bananas with a dark brown or even black peel for banana bread is ideal, as long as the inside isn't rotten. Key takeaway: As long as your bananas aren't starting to get moldy, infested with fruit flies or beginning to rot they aren't too ripe for baking banana bread.

Is the healthiest bread to eat? ›

Whole-wheat bread contains whole-grain flour, so it will give you the nutrients contained in the entire kernel, including a good amount of gut-healthy fiber, filling protein and energizing carbs. Look for "whole-wheat flour" as the first ingredient on the label, Gentile says.

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