Funfetti Banana Bread Bars – Dishing Out Health

Combine a slice of moist banana bread and funfetti cake and you have these Funfetti Banana Bread Bars. Gluten free, dairy free, and with no added oil, these healthy funfetti bars are the ultimate sweet treat.

If you also find immense excitement out of watching bananas sit on the countertop until their skin becomes freckled with brown spots, you’re in good company.

As much as I love a good loaf of banana bread, may I suggest switching it up and making a batch of bars?

Add sprinkles to the mix and you hit peak banana bread enjoyment.

If the photos are convincing enough, these banana bread bars are:

• SUPER moist thanks to the magic combo of mashed bananas, nut butter, and almond flour.
• Just sweet enough to satisfy a sweet tooth.
• Colorful and appealing to both kids and adults. (My toddler is obsessed!)
• Free of refined sugar, gluten, and dairy.
• Made in ONE bowl. Less dishes = less hassle.

Not to mention super convenient for weekday morning breakfasts or snacks — just grab n’ go!

And if you love all things banana bread, also check out my Banana Bread Overnight Oats, which are a breakfast staple!

How to Make Funfetti Banana Bread Bars

Much like my Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars, these can be enjoyed for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

And because they’re rich in heart-healthy fats, they’ll keep you full longer than the averaged baked good.

The Ingredients

• Bananas: The more freckled with brown spots, the better! Bananas are a fantastic source of potassium, fiber, and even vitamin C.
• Nut Butter: Cashew butter works best since it’s the most mild in flavor. If you avoid nuts, however, you can also use sunflower seed butter. 
• Egg: 2 eggs makes the bars desirably fluffy. *Note: I have not tried this recipe with flax eggs.
• Oat Flour: Made from 100% whole-grain oats, oat flour is a great gluten free alternative to all-purpose flour. You can either purchase it ground, or grind oats yourself in a food processor. 
• Almond Flour: My go-to alternative flour for gluten free baking, almond flour makes these bars ultra moist. Plus, its chockfull of heart-healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. 
• Maple Syrup: Offering rich, well-rounded sweetness, a touch of maple syrup is all you need. Alternatively, you can use honey.
• Vanilla + Almond Extract: This combination is KEY in achieving classic funfetti flavor.
• Sprinkles: Use any brand or variety you like! There’s nothing like a healthy funfetti riff.

For a complete list of recipe ingredients and quantities, see the recipe card below.

The Directions

Step 1: Mash Bananas

Place bananas in a large bowl and use a potato masher or fork to throughly mash.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

To the bowl with banana, add eggs, cashew butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Whisk well to combine.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Add oat flour, almond flour, baking soda, and salt; stir to combine. Lastly, mix in sprinkles.

Step 4: Bake

Transfer batter to prepared baking dish and scatter extra sprinkles overtop.

Bake for 30 to 34 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Slice into 12 bars and enjoy!

Expert Tips:

• Measure Your Banana – It’s important to have 1 cup of mashed ripe banana, which can amount to either 2 or 3 bananas, depending on size.
  • Be sure to measure it with dry measuring cups before adding the remainder of the wet ingredients.
• Use Ripe but Not *TOO* Ripe Bananas – While lots of dark spots are desirable for banana bread recipes (put those natural sugars to work!), look out for strange odors or mold.
  • If you see or smell anything suspicious, the bananas may not be safe to eat.
  • If your bananas are teetering on the edge but you don’t have time to use them that day, peel, chop, and freeze them for later use.
• Reserve Sprinkles for the Topping – I like to mix most of the sprinkles in the batter, and reserve a few for the topping. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it lets people know they’re about to bite into something with sprinkles!

Recipe Variations

• Swap the Sprinkles. In place of the sprinkles, you can use mini m&ms or mini chocolate chips.
• Add Frosting. For real birthday cake vibes, top the bars with your favorite frosting and a few extra sprinkles.

Storage Tips:

• To Serve: These funfetti banana bread bars are delicious when warmed up and spread with a little butter. 
• To Store: Once the bars fully cool, store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels. They will keep at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• To Freeze: Freeze leftover bars in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

If you try these healthy funfetti bars, snap a pic and tag #dishingouthealth on Instagram so I can see your beautiful creations. Also, follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates!