Just four ingredients, one bowl and 5 minutes is needed to whip up these easy, delicious no bake banana bread blondies! These blondies are soft, fudgy and are healthy too- Naturally gluten-free, paleo and vegan- A snack or treat to enjoy anytime!
Can we take a moment to turn back the clocks to my final week in New York City?
MY OTHER RECIPES
The week before I left, my friends from Australia (who lived in the city) wanted to have dinner and catch up one last time before we’d see each other again (hopefully Christmas!). Because I was in a haste when we spoke on the phone, I thought I’d told them ‘Come over for dinner and we’ll get subs’ but they heard it as though it was ‘come over for dinner and we’ll make subs’.
Oh geebuz.
Anyway, Tuesday night came and I had intentions to go to the deli and pick up three different subs and to split between the three of us- One meatball, one pepperoni and onion (SO GOOD) and one feta/sundried tomato hybrid. My friends came over with a bottle of wine and proclaiming they couldn’t wait to eat something savory from my kitchen (they’d been taste testers for most of my recipes up until that point- aka All sweet). When I told them that I’d grab some subs after we’d hung out for a bit, they looked at me like I was the grinch.
“You said come over for dinner.”
“Yes?”
“You said you’d make us subs.”
“I said I’d GET us subs!”
“As much as we like you’re no bake *INSERT EVERY CREATION SINCE MAY 2015 HERE*, we’d like something savory or is this something you don’t know how to do?”
Oh, ZING. Guilt tripping me by prodding my ego with a kale leaf.
Fine.
Remember this recipe for Copycat Subway Meatballs marinara sandwiches I shared a couple of weeks back? These were the goodies we consumed. I used my Gardein beef crumbles to whip up my vegan sweet and spicy meatballs but because I wanted variety, I also had a package of their teriyaki chick’n strips. I also made some paleo sweet and salty meatballs using their crumbles. Call me cliche, but I also wanted to recreate Subway’s version of that sandwich too. Let’s not discuss the omission of their sauce which was replaced by mustard.
PS- See those desserts? Yep. They were as delicious as beautiful as they were.
Anyway, even though this was what could constitute a cop-out meal, it satisfied my sub craving and proved to my friends that I could form balls with beef crumbles make some delicious subs. Cheers to for proving quick and easy meals CAN be done to prove cooking skills when your friends expect a home-made dinner.
So where do these blondies come into play?
Same concept. My friends who were over for dinner didn’t just want subs- They wanted dessert too. As I was in the middle of packing, I clearly didn’t have much stock on hand but that didn’t stop me.
Misinformation + no time + minimal ingredients = Play it by ear and hope for the best. Friends, we’ve got another game-changing recipe here- Healthy four ingredient no-bake banana bread blondies.
These healthy, four ingredient no-bake banana bread blondies are your answer to a quick snack, healthy dessert or sweet treat ready in just 5 minutes! It literally uses one bowl, one quick mix using your hands and transferring to a lined container and voila- You just need to wait for it to firm slightly. These doughy, fudgy and delicious banana blondies are much healthier than traditional baked blondies- They are high in fiber (thanks to my edible bestie, coconut flour), refined sugar-free and pack a decent protein punch, thanks to the nut butter. These are also perfectly suitable for those following a paleo, vegan and gluten-free lifestyle!
Taste hack- I know the appeal of ‘ready in 5 minutes’ is tempting and that statement is true but for optimum taste, I’d recommend freezing these for 10 minutes beforehand- They come out even sweeter than before.
Make these Healthy Four Ingredient No-Bake Banana Bread Blondies and if you have friends arrive with intentions of YOU whipping something up- You’re covered.
(If your kitchen is like mine. Ho Ho Ho.)
- 1/2 cup coconut flour, sifted
- 1/2 cup mashed banana (about 2 medium ones)
- 1/4 cup cashew butter (can sub for another nut butter)*
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (can sub for another sticky sweetener)*
- Dairy free Chocolate chips (optional)
- In a mixing bowl, combine the coconut flour and banana and mix well- This should be very crumbly.
- In a microwave safe bowl or stovetop, melt your nut butter with liquid sweetener and pour into the dry mixture. Mix until fully incorporated and a thick batter is formed. Add chocolate chips if desired.
- Transfer batter to a lined container or small baking tray and refrigerate for 10-20 minutes, until firm. It can also be frozen briefly.
- * If batter is still too thick, add an extra tablespoon of nut butter/sticky sweetener.
- Blondies are best
- Blondies can be kept at room temperature but best refrigerated or frozen.
Double Chocolate Protein fudge
You need to cook. What is something you whip up in no time?
Have you ever tried a meat-free substitute?
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OMG you were right! I love it! They look so unbelievably appealing. That texture….. MUST MAKE ASAP! I brought like 5 kg in chocolate chips, toffee chips, pb chips… back home. I fear they won’t last me two month.
When I have no time and have to make something quick I make cookies. You know which ones. And would you want to guess which famous Subway sandwich is NOT on the German menu?
Hahaha bratwurst!!
Yes please! I need to figure out how to not bake things, because all of your creations look AMAZING. I just discovered the deliciousness that is cashew butter. And now I want it in ALL THE THINGS. Like these babies. Pinned!
What? You just discovered it? It’s SO GOOD! Thanks, T!
Your 5 minute recipes hook me every time. I’m overwhelmed by lack of time and like you saw yesterday, my kids expect paleo treats on the regular 🙂 Also if you can do more subway copycats that would be awesome!
Haha for sure! Thanks Michele!
These look like the absolute perfect consistency!
Thanks so much, Rachel 🙂
Dear Arman, being a foodie blogger has its perks, doesn’t it? …I know the feeling. Everyone assumes I want to to always be cooking, but sometimes it’s nice to be treated and not have to lift a finger. Some don’t always appreciate it…could be worse though. These banana bread blondies looks wonderful. Again that rich, dense texture is irresistible to me. Pinning for later. Take care my friend and have a wonderful weekend, Catherine
That’s so true! Thanks so much, Catherine! 🙂
Yum! I love when I have all of the ingredients for a recipe I want to make 🙂 I liked the gardein crumbles when I tried them/reviewed them last year. I don’t eat the faux meat often but I should really buy it again.
They were quite impressive for a meat substitute!
ARMAN!!!!! These speak to me Love banana bread with chocolate chips. Know I will love these even more. ‘Cuz guess what? The oven’s still broken, new one doesn’t arrive ’til next week…these will be the perfect quick weekend snack for the collective sweet tooth (teeth?) at our house….
What? Oh no! Confession- I broke my mum’s oven before I left to come here 🙂
Haha the conversations with my friends are very different….
Friends- “You want me to bring wine, right?”
Me- “Duh.”
Friends- “What are we having for dinner?”
Me- “I dunno, Riley will figure out it.”
You’re slowly convincing me that I’m completely missing out on life by not having coconut flour in my pantry. And that these sound amazing. I love desserts with banana in them!
Okay. You need coconut flour. PLEASE. I will down a bottle of wine if you do.
If I showed up to your house for dinner and you just picked up take-out, then I would throw it back in your face. And then I would make you go into the kitchen and make me a sub. And then some of these banana bread blondies as punishment for thinking you could just get take-out in the first place. Haha! Well done, mate!
How rude! But….the deli has bacon!!!!
How are these blondies NO BAKE?! What are you–a baking wizard?!
Just joking, yes you are 😉 anyways, I always whip up a smoothie or coconut flour pancakes if I’m ever in a rush! Super delicious–and you can have pancakes for dinner, right?
I’m actually really weak when it comes to meat substitutes–tofu, mock meats, you name it. I know, they’re not good for you, but I love them so much!
Thanks so much, Cassie- I am Harry Potter!
Ooh, I love banana bread, and I just made your banana bread bites yesterday! These are next. 😉
Oh yes! Thanks so much, Emily!
I went to World Market yesterday and thought of you when I saw Bounty bars, which I had never actually seen before your blog. No relation to this post whatsoever. That is all.
hahahahaha. I saw an Amish person. I thought of you 🙂
you are such a good friend!!!
Thanks Dixya!
This looks delish! I wish I could just whip something up like that. Usually my fridge is barren because I shop every day.
Haha story of my life!
I could get down with these!! So simple, yet they sound SO tasty. Gah.
Right? Thanks so much, Jess!
We all like a good challenge, right? I love banana bread and I love how much easier than banana bread these are!
🙂 Thanks Heather!
I’ve been freezing your balls. You’re right, they are even more fantastic that way!!
🙂 YAY!
The beauty of only cooking for me is that I never really -need- to cook — I just whip out the cereal and milk 😉 PS – I need these in my life.
These are so good!!!
amazingly delicious!!! my 3 yr old just grabbed it from the fridge and started eating it up with a spoon. he said – this is a yummy cake! LOL …thanks!
Hhahaha you have one VERY smart 3 year old 🙂
Can I make these with regular white flour and still get the same results?
Hey Bethany 🙂 I wouldn’t use regular white flour- It’s not the best tasting when not baked- Can you use oats at all?
Yes! Should I ground them up to make oat flour to use in place of the coconut flour?
Mmmm these sound tasty 🙂
I made these and they never did set. Maybe I had too much banana not enough flour? Thanks for your advice they were still good!
Hi Nichole! 🙂 Sometimes if your banana is too large, it would still be crumbly! I’d recommend adding a dash more dairy free milk to firm up- when liquid meets coconut flour, it absorbs really well 🙂
Does it have to be coconut flour, or if we eat wheat will whole wheat flour work?
Hi there! Unfortunately, I haven’t tried it with whole wheat flour. The beauty of coconut flour is how absorbent it is- It’s like a sponge. The closest I could recommend may be oat flour but you’d need to add some honey or sticky sweetener to help bind it.
These look great but my daughter has a nut allergy. Any alternative ingredient for the nut butter?
Hello Pam! Is she able to tolerate soy nut butter or sunflower seed butter? 🙂
Ah yes – maybe sunflower seed butter – if I can find some in the grocery shop.
HI, I try not to use added sugars, even maple syrup…can you sub more bananas? or a date puree? Thanks!
Hi Tara! I haven’t tried it myself sorry- You could try more banana but you may need a fair bit more to reach a decent sweetness level.
My banana and flour mixture wasn’t crumbly at all? Really sticky? Do I need to add more flour?
Hi there! It should be quite crumbly- Did you use too much banana? If so, add a dash more coconut flour 🙂
Hi these sound wonderful. How much does one batch make?
Hi Deidra! I made around 9 pieces 🙂
Oh, so good! I made half the recipe (just to test it out) and rolled them into bites instead. Took them for a spin in some cocoa and I have found my new favorite snack! Thanks!
🙂 YAY! That makes me so happy, Luna!
Is it possible to give the macros
Hi Lori! Sure thing- If you go to myfitnesspal.com, it will provide it for you 🙂 Enjoy!
Perfect for the really hot summer days we’re having right now – no oven needed! Have to have little pieces though – unfortunately my body knows that non-refined sugar and non-dairy butter are not non-fattening :).
Thanks so much for the feedback, Kaleb! Hope it’s cooling down for you!
Would it work if I use all purpose gluten free flour?? I have Bobs Red Mill gluten free flour..
Hi Becca! I’ve never tried this with bob’s Gluten Free flour, but it could work with gluten free oat flour- You’ll need to add more than the recommended amount here 🙂
Hello! What size tray would you suggest?
Hi there! an 8 x 8 Inch would be fine, but use a smaller one for thicker blondies 🙂
So I made these with these (followed recipe, but subbed peanut butter) and they came out having a gritty texture. The banana flavor is nice but I’m completely put off by the texture. Any tips?
Sounds like it is the brand of your coconut flour 🙂 Ensure it is sifted.
Hmmm … just made these and froze for 20 minutes before giving them to my taste-testers. They really were more like a cold pudding consistency rather than a cake-y or brownie-y consistency. Add more coconut flour? Thanks!
That is correct 🙂
Is it possible to substitude the almond butter with greek yoghurt?
I’ve never tried that.