Monkey Bars

These delicious and healthy little snack cakes are one of my kids favorites!  My mom gave me an article of healthy kids snacks to serve as an alternative to the pre-packaged snacks, that while easy, are also loaded with sodium, high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils and other mysterious ingredients.  True, these snacks do require  a little time but not a lot.  I like to make a big batch on the weekend for the coming week or before we go on weekend excursions for our go-to snack.  These rank up there on my kids yummy meter along with the Popcorn Balls recipe I posted earlier. 

This recipe is a great way to use any bananas that are a little too ripe!  And it can easily be doubled if you have several over-ripe bananas.  If you do this, make sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time a bit.  I hope you enjoy!

Monkey Bars  (from MyRecipes.com)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 1/2 Tablespoon apple juice (orange juice or cranapple also work)
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas
• 3 Tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/3 cup walnuts, optional
• powdered sugar, optional

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.
2. Combine the raisins and apple juice in a bowl and microwave on high for one minute.  Set aside. 
3. Combine flour and next two ingredients in a small bowl.  Stir well with a wisk and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, cream together the brown sugar and melted butter with a mixer over medium speed.  Add banana and next three ingredients, mixing well.  Add the flour mixture, beating until just combined.  Stir in the raisin and walnuts.
5. Spread the batter in the greased 9x9 inch dish and bake for 30 minutes.  Cool bars completely on a wire rack.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving.