Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana blondies are an incredibly easy and flavorful dessert that balances sweetness with wholesome ingredients. By incorporating collagen, Greek yogurt, and almond milk, this recipe provides an added nutritional boost while keeping the treat lighter and healthier than traditional blondies. The homemade Greek yogurt cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of indulgence without feeling overly heavy. These blondies are perfect for satisfying a sweet craving while also nourishing your body!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Banana Bars:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup collagen (I used Vital Proteins) (See above for substitutions)

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed

• 1.5 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt

• 3/4 tsp vanilla cream Sweetleaf liquid stevia

• 1/4 cup vanilla unsweetened almond milk

For the Frosting:

• 4 oz Greek yogurt cream cheese (or 1/3 fat cream cheese as a substitute)

• 1 container (5.3 oz) Light and Fit Greek yogurt (banana cream flavor or vanilla)

• 3/4 tbsp Jello sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix

Directions

For the Banana Bars:

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F and spray a 9×9 inch brownie pan with cooking spray.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, collagen, salt, and baking powder. Mix to combine.

3. In a separate large mixing bowl, mash the bananas. Add in the remaining wet ingredients: melted butter, vanilla extract, Greek yogurt, stevia, and almond milk. Mix until everything is well combined.

4. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until fully combined. If the batter feels too dry, add a splash of extra almond milk. The batter should be thick and wet, similar to a thick pancake batter.

5. Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and spread evenly.

6. Bake at 300°F for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean, though the bars may still feel slightly moist due to the bananas. Don’t overcook!

7. Let the bars cool completely (ideally for a few hours or overnight) before adding the frosting.

For the Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and pudding mix.

2. Use a hand mixer to beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

To Assemble:

1. Once the bars are cooled, spread the Greek yogurt cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

2. Cut into 9 pieces and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 9 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Storage/Reheating

• Store: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

• Reheat: These bars are best enjoyed chilled. However, if you prefer them warm, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different sweetener instead of stevia?

Yes, you can substitute stevia with honey, maple syrup, or a different sweetener of your choice. Adjust the amount to taste.

2. Can I use a different flour?

You can experiment with almond flour or whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier alternative, though the texture may change slightly.

3. How do I know when the bars are done?

The bars should be golden on top and firm when a toothpick is inserted. They will be slightly moist due to the bananas, but the toothpick should come out clean with only a few crumbs.

4. Can I make this recipe without the frosting?

Yes, the banana blondies are delicious on their own. However, the Greek yogurt cream cheese frosting adds a lovely creamy texture and extra flavor that enhances the bars.

5. How can I make these bars vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based yogurt cream cheese and a dairy-free yogurt. You can also swap the eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg if needed.

6. Can I use flavored yogurt for the frosting?

Yes, you can use any flavored Greek yogurt for the frosting. Banana cream or vanilla would complement the flavor of the blondies well, but feel free to get creative!

7. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze these banana blondies. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

8. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the bars?

Yes, feel free to add a handful of nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the batter for an extra crunch or flavor!

9. How long should I let the bars cool before frosting them?

Let the bars cool for at least an hour, or ideally overnight, to ensure that they are cool enough to frost without the frosting melting.

10. Can I double the recipe to make more bars?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

These Healthy Banana Blondies with Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese Frosting are a perfect combination of indulgence and nutrition. They’re a fantastic way to use up ripe bananas while treating yourself to a lighter dessert that’s still full of flavor. The collagen adds a health boost, while the creamy frosting takes these blondies to the next level. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast, these banana blondies will quickly become a go-to recipe!

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