Banana Bread Bites Recipe
Banana Bread Bites are the delightful, snack-sized answer to classic banana bread cravings—cozy, wholesome, and bursting with real banana flavor in every mini morsel. These naturally sweetened bites are perfect for grab-and-go mornings, lunchboxes, or an afternoon pick-me-up that tastes both indulgent and nourishing. Imagine all the comfort of freshly baked banana bread, but in a tender, portable treat you can hold in your hand! Whether you’re serving a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, these bites promise to become one of your most cherished homemade goodies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Banana Bread Bites is just how simply each ingredient works together—no extras, just pure goodness in every bite. Every item on this list has a purpose, whether it’s adding moisture, binding the bites together, or infusing them with rich flavor and texture.
- Mashed ripe bananas (1 cup): The star of the show, ripe bananas lend natural sweetness and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Rolled oats (1 cup): These give substance, heartiness, and just the right amount of chew.
- Almond flour (½ cup): Adds a lightly nutty flavor and helps the bites stay tender and moist.
- Honey or maple syrup (¼ cup): Choose your favorite natural sweetener—honey brings warmth, while maple syrup adds a caramel note.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder, keeping everything held together in each perfect bite.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash is enough to bring all the flavors together beautifully.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds cozy spice that makes every bite feel extra-special.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Gives a touch of lift so your bites aren’t too dense.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Mini chocolate chips or chopped walnuts (¼ cup, optional): Stir these in for a little extra crunch or gooey chocolate bliss!
How to Make Banana Bread Bites
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line your mini muffin tin with paper liners, or use parchment on a baking sheet if you’d rather go freeform. This step is all about ensuring those Banana Bread Bites lift out easily, for perfect, bakery-worthy presentation every time!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the honey or maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract, then stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and well combined. This is where the magic starts—the aroma alone is pure comfort!
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, almond flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures an even distribution of flavors and prevents any clumps in the final batter.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until everything is incorporated—overmixing can make the bites tough, and we want that tender banana bread texture! If using, add in your mini chocolate chips or walnuts at this stage for a delicious surprise in every bite.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Portion the batter into mini muffin cups or drop spoonfuls onto your prepared baking sheet. Aim for about one tablespoon per Banana Bread Bite, so they bake evenly. Slide them into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until they’re lightly golden and set. Let the bites cool before serving—if you can wait that long!
How to Serve Banana Bread Bites
Garnishes
Dress up your Banana Bread Bites with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon or a tiny dusting of powdered sugar for a little touch of fancy. For even more fun, drizzle with melted chocolate or a swirl of nut butter right before serving—just watch them disappear!
Side Dishes
These bites shine alongside fresh fruit salad, a creamy yogurt parfait, or even a hot mug of your favorite coffee or tea. Their naturally sweet, hearty flavor pairs well with light and bright sides, making them perfect for a brunch spread or snack platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Banana Bread Bites on a cake stand for a playful breakfast centerpiece, or tuck them into parchment bags for a portable snack. They make delightful lunchbox treats and are absolutely adorable arranged in a basket at a picnic. For parties, place each bite in a colorful mini cupcake wrapper for an easy, crowd-pleasing pass-around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, store any leftover Banana Bread Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Lining the container with a paper towel helps absorb moisture and keeps them perfectly fresh.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch for later, these bites freeze beautifully! Place the cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months—simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy.
Reheating
A quick burst in the microwave (about 10–15 seconds) is all it takes to bring that straight-from-the-oven warmth back to your Banana Bread Bites. If you prefer, pop them into a 300°F oven for five minutes to re-crisp the edges slightly.
FAQs
Can I make these Banana Bread Bites gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats and double-check your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The almond flour already keeps everything grain-light and delicious.
What can I use instead of almond flour?
Oat flour is a great swap if you need a nut-free option. The texture will be a bit lighter and extra hearty, but the bites are just as delicious!
How ripe should my bananas be?
The riper, the better—think brown, spotty skins. The more ripe your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your Banana Bread Bites will turn out.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe is extremely forgiving and scales up easily if you’d like to make a larger batch. Just use a bigger bowl and, if needed, add an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Are these bites suitable for toddlers?
Banana Bread Bites make a fantastic snack for little ones! For very young children, skip the nuts and opt for mini chocolate chips or leave them out entirely for a naturally sweet, nutritious treat.
Final Thoughts
Give these Banana Bread Bites a try next time you have a couple of ripe bananas waiting on your counter—you’ll be amazed at how quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing they are. Whether you share them with friends or keep a stash all to yourself, every bite is guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your day!
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Banana Bread Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Bites are a delightful and healthy snack or breakfast option, perfect for those busy mornings or as a quick pick-me-up during the day. Made with wholesome ingredients and naturally sweetened, these mini treats are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a mini muffin tin or baking sheet with liners or parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine mashed bananas, honey, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix oats, almond flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Add Mix-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips or walnuts, if desired.
- Bake: Scoop the batter into mini muffin cups or onto the baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until set and lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool before serving.
Notes
- These bites are naturally sweetened with bananas and honey, making them a great snack or breakfast on-the-go.
- You can make them vegan by substituting a flax egg and using maple syrup.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 2.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
