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Get all of the flavor of freshly baked banana bread from these No Bake Banana Bread Bites but in only a fraction of the amount of time it takes to bake! Made with wholesome oats, nuts and dates for a great snack that will give you all the fuel with all the flavor!
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This recipe was originally published March 2015 and updated with new photos and content in July 2022.
No Bake Banana Bread packed into perfect little bites--these are always a hit!
I love freshly baked banana bread--pumpkin chip banana bread, coconut chip banana bread, etc., but I am also a HUGE fan of no bake bites. These simple, super poppable banana bread bites were inspired by my Peanut Butter Oats Bites and Chunky Monkey Bites. You will love the banana bread flavor of these no bake balls!
Why you will love these:
- No baking required. A simple, no bake recipe that is great fuel for when you need some on the go snacking. I love this kind of treat because they whip up in seriously 10 minutes.
- They are freezer friendly. You can keep these in the fridge or the freezer so you can grab them when you want. In the freezer, they are great for about 2 months.
- Super kid friendly! What kid doesn't love bananas? Banana bread flavor packed with oats, almonds, walnuts and lots of wholesome fuel for good snacking
- They use up ripe bananas. I save lots of bananas around here because we seem to always have extra. That's ok, because recipes like these that use up a ripe banana allow me to lessen food waste and use them all up.
- They taste just like banana bread without the wait! You could take an hour to make banana bread or make these no bake banana bread bites in just 10 minutes. You do the math!
Ingredients and substitutions:
- walnuts: I use raw, un-roasted walnuts as well as almonds in these banana bread balls. While they are ideal for this recipe, you can still make the recipe with toasted nuts if that is what you have on hand. I would omit the salt if the nuts are salted though.
- almonds: any combo of nuts can work really. I have used pecans and cashews as well)
- rolled oats: use regular or gluten free oats. Quick oats could work as well.
- very ripe banana: make sure its really nice and brown on the peel!
- medjool dates: make sure they are medjool dates, these are much larger than other dates
- vanilla
- cinnamon
- sea salt
How to make these banana bread bites:
Start these banana oat balls out with the nuts and oats in the food processor. Process until the mixture becomes grain like and the nuts are broken down.
Add in the banana, dates, cinnamon, vanilla and sea salt and process until a dough starts to form. If the mixture seems to be a bit too dry, add in another date or two. You can also add in some water and pulse. If the banana bread bite mixture seems too wet, add in some more oats.
At this point, I like to freeze the dough for about 20 minutes to make rolling into bite sized balls easier.
Roll them up and then chill for about 20 minutes before serving--but let's be honest, you are gonna eat 2 or 3 just while rolling them, so really there are no rules!
Recipe Tips:
- If the "dough" seems a bit too thin, you can add some extra oats in. Feel free to pulse them in the food processor or just stir them in whole.
- Quick oats can also be used in place of the rolled oats if that is what you have on hand. Both should work fine since they are all getting processed into the mixture.
- You can freeze these no bake banana oat balls for several months. I also chill them for about a week in an air tight container.
Ways to Vary These No Bake Banana Bread Bites:
While I love these exactly the way they are, there are actually plenty of ways to make these banana bread bites even more fun. Try any of the following:
- Stir in white chocolate chips or melt them and drizzle over top and allow to set.
- Add another chocolate chip--dark, milk chocolate, mini chips, etc. When using regular chocolate chips, I sometimes omit the cinnamon, totally up to you.
- Use half the amount of cinnamon and sub the rest with pumpkin spice
- Stir in coconut for a tropical banana bread bite
- Add in a couple tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolate version
Other no bake bites:
- No Bake Blueberry Lemon Energy Bites--these are hands down one of my very favorites--aside from these banana bread bites, of course!
- Pecan Pie Energy Bites--did someone say pie?!
- German Chocolate Cake Balls
- No Bake Brownies
- Coconut Mango Bites
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No Bake Banana Bread Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw walnuts
- 1 cup raw almonds
- ⅔ cup rolled oats regular or gluten free
- 1 very ripe banana
- 5-7 medjool dates pitted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ T cinnamon
- dash of sea salt
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine walnuts, pecans and oats until a fine, grainy texture.
- Add dates (I start with 5 dates), banana, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon and combine until a dough starts to form. If the mixture is too dry, add another date or two. If it seems to be too wet, you can add in some more oats about 1 or 2 tablespoons at a time.
- Roll into bite sized balls. If it is hard to form into balls, freeze the dough for about 15-20 minutes first for easier rolling.
- Refrigerate for about 20-30 minutes to set and enjoy. Store in an airtight container for about 5 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
- If the "dough" seems a bit too thin, you can add some extra oats in. Feel free to pulse them in the food processor or just stir them in whole.
- Quick oats can also be used in place of the rolled oats if that is what you have on hand. Both should work fine.
- You can freeze these no bake banana oat balls for several months. I also chill them for about a week in an air tight container.
Corey says
This looks easy and my kids will like them bonus ?
Lorie says
Always a win in my book!
Kristina @ Love & Zest says
Snacks like this is what gets me though the day! I cannot wait to try yours out!
Lorie says
Yep. Easy to grab eats are where it’s at for you now I’m sure!
Courtney Dimmitt says
These sound delicious! I love banana bread, but I'm on a hunt for healthier options. I've also just recently started cooking with dates. Excited to try these!
Lorie says
Enjoy! Dates are a game changer!
Laura says
What a perfect healthy snack for the upcoming pool and hiking season! Love all things banana bread!
Lorie says
Yes to pool season!
Sarah Althouse says
I love ANYTHING no bake. Especially with a newborn right now.
Lorie says
Yep, that's what I lived on when Sam was born!
a says
I saw banana bread and thought, these must include walnuts! And sure enough, they do. And that essential dash of sea salt that far too many recipes overlook 🙂
Lorie says
Gotta add the sea salt, right?!
Jen says
I love love love these no bake bites! I'm a huge fan of them for a grab-and-go breakfast option. My kids love them too!
Lorie says
Yep, if the kids are up for them always a win!
Yolanda says
I too have so many happy memories of banana bread and zucchini bread. I've been baking these for years and they are definitely a cosy treat. I just love that you have found a way to make an alternative fast!! Can't wait to make these... 🙂
Lorie says
Zucchini bread was another huge fave of mine to bake as well!!
Nicolette says
These sound divine. And the photos are just gorgeous.
Lorie says
Thank you so much, Nicolette! That means so much!
Emily Jones says
Those look soooo good! I only wish I could eat them. I have diverticulitis and can't eat nuts or seeds. Do you have any suggestions as to what I could substitute? Thank you for all of your wonderful recipes.
Lorie says
Ok, here is what I am thinking. I bet if we upped the amount of dates and oats we could do without the nuts. Let me play around and see if I have any luck!
Emily Jones says
Wow, I didn't think of that. How do you have time for anything other than your beautiful baby? You must be Wonder Woman in disguise!
Lorie says
Ha!!! Well I have to be verrrry intentional with nap time! Plus my husband gives me a little time on the weekends to get blog stuff done!