Golden Banana Bread Poppers

Effortlessly Delicious: Easy Baked Banana Bread Balls with Simple Mills Mix – Your New Favorite Healthy Snack!

Discover how to effortlessly create these delectable, healthy baked banana bread balls using Simple Mills Banana Bread & Muffin mix. Perfect for nutritious meal prep and convenient snacking on the go, these gluten-free, grain-free, and vegan bites are a must-try!

Deliciously moist baked banana bread balls ready for a healthy snack or meal prep, made with Simple Mills mix.

My journey into the world of food didn’t begin with elaborate cooking, but rather with the joyful simplicity of baking. From a young age, I found immense satisfaction in transforming a few basic ingredients into something warm, comforting, and utterly delicious. My earliest memories involve enthusiastically emptying packets of classic baking mixes into a bowl, adding the required liquids, and stirring with an eagerness that made it feel like the most crucial task in the world.

Even then, I understood that the effort was minimal, yet the pride I felt when a perfectly baked cake or batch of cookies emerged from the oven was anything but. That feeling of accomplishment, of creating something wonderful with ease, is a sensation I’ve always chased. Back then, I wished every culinary endeavor could be so straightforward and rewarding.

And guess what? With a little help from modern innovations, they absolutely can be!

Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that recaptures that magical simplicity: these incredible Baked Banana Bread Balls. They leverage my absolute favorite baking mix, combined with just a few simple additions, to create a delightful, portable snack all in a single bowl. Get ready to rediscover the joy of effortless baking!

Banana bread ball dough in a mixing bowl before baking, featuring the Simple Mills mix and added ingredients.

Introducing Simple Mills: The Secret to Easy, Healthy Baking

If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of trying Simple Mills products, prepare for a game-changer! Their philosophy aligns perfectly with my desire for delicious, wholesome food that’s also incredibly convenient. I was particularly excited to experiment with their Simple Mills Banana Muffin & Bread Mix to craft these delightful Banana Bread Balls.

What makes this mix stand out? For starters, it’s thoughtfully crafted to be gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences and needs. But beyond what it omits, it’s truly remarkable for what it includes: just 7 simple, high-quality ingredients. This commitment to clean, understandable ingredients is precisely why I adore Simple Mills.

Baked banana bread balls rolled in crushed walnuts, presented on a plate for a healthy snack.

Wholesome Ingredients, Unbeatable Convenience

The foundation of the Simple Mills Banana Muffin & Bread Mix is a blend of almond and coconut flour, providing a wonderful texture and a boost of healthy fats and protein. Real banana is incorporated directly into the mix, ensuring that authentic, comforting banana flavor without the need for additional fresh bananas. It’s lightly sweetened with organic coconut sugar, a more natural sweetener choice that keeps these treats from being overly indulgent.

Every ingredient in this mix is something I already use and trust in my own kitchen, meticulously combined into one convenient pouch. And the best part? You can easily find it at stores like Target! We all know that feeling of walking into Target for one thing and leaving with a cart full of treasures we suddenly can’t live without. In this case, I’m guilty of making special trips just for this mix – it’s that good!

Freshly rolled and unbaked banana bread balls, showcasing their smooth texture before baking.

Why Banana Bread Balls? The Ultimate Portable Snack

While this versatile Simple Mills mix is absolutely perfect for whipping up classic banana muffins or a loaf of banana bread, I decided to take a slightly “bananas” approach and transform it into these adorable and incredibly practical Banana Bread Balls. “Baked Banana Bread Balls” – it just has a certain ring to it, doesn’t it?

Because let’s be honest, sometimes you crave that comforting taste of banana bread, but you need it in a format that fits seamlessly into your busy life. These balls are the answer! They’re perfectly portioned, easy to grab, and ideal for when you’re on the move.

Each bite delivers a delightful blend of flavors and textures: they’re lightly sweet, intensely banana-y, pleasantly nutty (especially with the walnut coating!), and packed with wholesome goodness. They’re a fantastic source of protein and healthy fats, ensuring you stay satisfied and energized.

Several perfectly baked banana bread balls, golden brown and ready to eat, served by Flora & Vino.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Banana Ball

So, what makes these banana bread balls so special? Their texture is key: soft and tender on the inside, reminiscent of your favorite banana bread, yet sturdy enough to hold their shape and withstand being tossed into a lunch bag or backpack. This robust portability makes them a true meal prep champion.

For an extra layer of crunch and a significant protein boost, I love rolling mine in finely crushed walnuts. Not only do walnuts add a wonderful textural contrast, but they also contribute healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making these treats even more nutritious. If walnuts aren’t your preference, feel free to experiment with other nuts like pecans or even shredded coconut for a different twist!

Vegan & Oil-Free Adaptations for a Healthier Twist

To ensure these banana bread balls are accessible to even more people, and to align with a healthier eating philosophy, I made a couple of simple but effective substitutions to the standard Simple Mills recipe, rendering them completely vegan and oil-free. Instead of traditional eggs, I opted for “flax eggs” – a simple mixture of ground flaxseed and water that gels beautifully to mimic the binding properties of an egg. For the oil, I used unsweetened applesauce, which not only provides moisture but also a touch of natural sweetness without adding any extra fat.

I also tested a chia egg version, which works equally well if you prefer chia seeds over flax. Both options are fantastic for creating a tender, moist crumb without any animal products or added oils.

Baked banana bread balls arranged neatly on a plate, showcasing their inviting texture and walnut coating.

The Ideal Snack for Any Time, Anywhere

These Baked Banana Bread Balls are truly a versatile treat, perfect for satisfying your cravings throughout the week. They are an ideal healthy snack to have on hand, offering a burst of flavor and sustained energy whenever you need it. Their grab-and-go format makes them perfect for busy mornings, a post-workout refuel, or a wholesome afternoon pick-me-up.

Making them ahead of time is incredibly easy, slotting perfectly into your lazy weekend meal prep routine. Store them in a sealed glass container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully, ready to be thawed and enjoyed whenever a banana bread craving strikes. Want to elevate the experience? Try serving them slightly warm with a generous smear of creamy coconut butter – it’s an absolute dream!

A close-up of baked banana bread balls by Flora & Vino, highlighting their golden crust and fluffy interior.

If you give these wonderful Banana Bread Balls a try, please don’t hesitate to let me know how they turn out! Your feedback is invaluable and inspires me to continue creating more delicious and wholesome recipes. Be sure to leave a comment, a rating, and a review below so I can see your thoughts and experiences.

Share your beautiful creations with me on Instagram! Tag #floraandvino so I can admire your tasty results.

For more plant-based, gluten-free inspiration, check out my Pinterest page and save this and other delightful recipes for later.

Craving More Healthy Banana Baked Goods?

If you’re as passionate about oil-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free banana baking as I am, you’re in for a treat! Explore some of my other popular banana-centric recipes that are equally wholesome and satisfying:

  • Banana Chia Chocolate Chip Muffins: A classic combo with a healthy twist.
  • Triple Berry Banana Power Muffins: Bursting with antioxidant-rich berries.
  • Peanut Butter Banana Swirl Muffins: A decadent yet healthy fusion of flavors.

Do you love this post and want more delicious content delivered straight to your inbox? Head over to my homepage and subscribe to get regular updates and exclusive recipes!

XO Lauren

A stack of golden brown baked banana bread balls, showcasing their fluffy interior and satisfying texture.

 


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Easy Baked Banana Bread Balls with Simple Mills Mix

Baked Banana Bread Balls



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5 from 1 review


  • Author:
    Flora & Vino


  • Total Time:
    30 mins


  • Yield:
    12-16 balls
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Description

Easy baked banana bread balls made simple with Simple Mills Banana Bread & Muffin mix! Perfect for meal prep and easy snacking on the go, these are gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, vegan, and oil-free.


Ingredients

  • 1 box Simple Mills Banana Muffin & Bread Mix
  • 3 flax eggs (3 TBSP ground flaxseed + 9 TBSP filtered water)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce + more for rolling
  • 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground flaxseed and water to create your flax eggs. Whisk thoroughly and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens and forms a gel-like consistency. This acts as your egg binder for the vegan recipe. Then, add the Simple Mills Banana Muffin & Bread Mix and the unsweetened applesauce to the bowl. Mix everything until well combined. The dough should be thick and stir-able, but not overly sticky.
  3. Using a cookie dough scoop (approximately 1-inch in diameter, equivalent to 1 TBSP), scoop out portions of the dough. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, uniform balls. If the dough tends to stick to your hands, lightly moisten them with a little water before rolling. Next, roll the formed balls in the finely crushed walnuts, ensuring they are evenly coated. If the walnuts aren’t adhering well, you can lightly dip the banana bread balls in a bit of extra applesauce before rolling them in the nuts. Place the coated balls on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process until all of the dough has been used.
  4. Bake the banana bread balls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown on the outside and show small cracks, indicating they are perfectly cooked through. The timing might vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your balls.
  5. Once baked, remove the balls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. While they are delicious cooled, serving them warm is highly recommended for an extra comforting treat.
  6. Store any leftover banana bread balls in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, they can be frozen for several months. Simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently before enjoying.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Category: Snack, Breakfast
  • Method: Oven-Bake
  • Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Oil-Free

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This post is brought to you by Simple Mills, but all words and eats are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep me hungry!