Chai Banana Bread Bars

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In just a handful of days I'm off across the pond with my family for a couple weeks in the UK. To say I'm pumped is a huge understatement. Most exciting part? The weather. We're still in the 90s here in Florida but Scotland is in the mid-50s and fall is in full effect. FALL GUYS. REAL FALL. 

 
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Another reason to be excited? Life in the UK is just so much simpler. Lots of green fields to hike, sheep to dodge on the roads, and all the English chocolate a girl can handle. It's hard to be stressed when there is so much natural beauty and pureness surrounding you. 

Also, last time I made this trip Andy was still the boy I was dating long distance. It will be a whole new experience having him alongside me for the memories. 

 
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Two weeks of no cooking will be a new experience for me. I don't think I've gone this long without cooking a meal since the last time I made this trip in college. So I'll have to survive off of the memories of these chai banana bread bars until I'm home to make another batch.

 
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Homemade banana bread has always been a favorite treat of mine, and I love mixing it up with other flavors and baking it into new shapes (these banana bread donuts are still a favorite of mine). Fall always has me craving chai more, so I figured why not mix in the flavors with my favorite banana bread?

These bars have the perfect amount of spice, without forgetting that you're eating banana bread. The maple glaze also adds a little sweetness and makes it taste way more indulgent than it actually is.

 
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Chai Banana Bread Bars

  • 1/3 c. sugar
  • 1/4 c. coconut oil, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/4 c. plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 c. whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. ginger
  • 1/2 tsp. all spice
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8x8 baking dish.
  2. In your mixer, combine the sugar and coconut oil.
  3. Add in the eggs, bananas, yogurt and vanilla. 
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
  5. Add your flour mixture to the mixer.
  6. Pour the batter into your baking dish.
  7. Bake for 40 minutes.

Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 2 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
  • 3 tbs. maple syrup
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  1. In a small bowl, mix the ingredients together until a smooth glaze is formed. 
  2. Once the banana bars are cooled, drizzle the glaze over top and allow to set. 
 
Breakfast, RecipesEmily WeirBlog, Breakfast, Chai, Banana bread, Fall, Baking