Some things shouldn't have sequels.

Like Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde. Totally loved Elle and Bruiser Woods in the original, but I could do without the second one. And what about Sandlot 2? I know--I never knew there was a second sandlot, either. Why mess with such a classic? Geez. On second thought, I guess I wouldn't hate watching Benny Rodriguez batter up for a couple hours.
What a dreamboat.
Let us not forget my personal childhood fave, the never ending Now That's What I Call Music! CD series. The first ever Now! CD featured "Mmmmbop" by Hanson and "Say You'll Be There" by the Spice Girls.
What a gem.
But Now! 46 is a little much, don't you think?
Ugh, I'm totally a hypocrite. I messed with a classic. I took my beloved paleo almond butter zucchini bars and added some of this and left out some of that and a star was born. I hate to admit it, but these are just as good--if not bettter--than the original. Gasp.
Like...um....Harry Potter. And Twighlight. And the Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley. Surely the Hunger Games saga will follow in the same path as well.
These have no flour, no refined sugar and no oil. The whole gosh darn recipe only has a mere two tablespoons of agave, and honestly, I don't even know if it's neccesarry. The almond butter and overripe banana do some happy dance in the oven, I swear. Natural sweetness all the way, baby.
Sequels don't always suck. The proof's in the pudding--err bars.
Paleo Almond Butter and Jelly Swirl Bars
-adapted from my paleo almond butter zucchini bars
Paleo Almond Butter and Jelly Swirl Bars
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 12 1x
- Category: Snack Bars
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- ¾ cup creamy almond butter
- 1 medium very overripe banana, mashed
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp agave (or pure maple syrup or honey)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅓-½ cup strawberry jelly
- ½ cup mixed berries (optional)
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8in x 8in baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together almond butter, banana, egg, agave and vanilla until very well combined.
- Add in cinnamon, baking powder and salt and whisk again until well combined.
- Fold in mixed berries if using.
- Pour batter into baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of jelly evenly over the top of the batter and swirl well with a knife.
- Bake for about 35 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Make these.
Erica says
I made these today and they are really yummy! Easy to throw together too and a great way to use ripe bananas. I subbed in Sunflower seed butter since that is what we had. I'll make again with Almond butter!
Alexis says
SO glad to hear that, Erica! I bet it would taste fab with sunbutter.
Rachel Schaeffer says
I just have to say that I made these today and they are delightful! I am in shock (and still am) over the consistency and flavor. My husband was very surprised that there was no flour. I liked the zucchini version, but these are definitely even better to me!
Alexis says
That's great, Rachel! I actually preferred this version, too. What could be better than an AB & J in guilt-free dessert form?!
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says
Okay, how is there no flour in this recipe?! They look so cake-y. You clearly have some voodoo baking ability here. 😀
Alexis says
Yippeeeee! I think you'll be obsessed.