Blueberry, Banana, and Sweet Potato Breakfast Bars (vegan)

These moist blueberry, banana, and sweet potato bars have a hint of sweetness that will make you want seconds without feeling any guilt. You will be ready to face the day after eating several servings of fruits and veggies, protein, and healthy carbs.

A healthy breakfast can be impossible to pull off during chaotic mornings. Rushing to get out the door to school is the only goal in this house. At the same time, it is important to me to start our mornings with a nutritious meal however, it seems like a daunting task to find meals that work within my little available time. 

I have been on a mission to find meals that are easy to make, healthy, and that could provide leftovers for several meals. These bars are just that!

Why You and Your Family Will Love These Vegan Breakfast Bars

Kid-friendly: Ask my daughter and she will tell you that these bars taste like a softer version of banana bread meets a blueberry muffin. It’s hard to just have one serving and the best part is, you can!

Mom-approved: They are mom-approved with only healthy ingredients while avoiding butter and processed sugar and adding a serving or two of fruits and vegetables. It’s a breakfast meal that I can feel good about serving my family. 

Big batch: I know that you will benefit from this 8×8 pan of breakfast bars that will last you for at least 3 days. These bars are the type of recipe I keep on hand.

Customizable: These bars are the miracle breakfast!  Why? Because they are customizable! Wahoo! This means I can get fancy and only sprinkle nuts and blueberries on one side and chocolate chips on the other. 

Organic: Healthy recipes are key to living your best life. Part of that includes eating organic when possible. For me personally, I like to use organic ingredients for these morning bars. However, use the ingredients you have on hand and what works best for you.

Simple ingredients: Cooking with simple and wholesome ingredients should be the top priority for optimal health. Another awesome benefit of these nutritious bars. If you are following a plant-based diet, this recipe is for you!

How to Enjoy These Breakfast Bars

There are a variety of fun and delicious ways to enjoy these bars! 

My girls must think they are pancakes because they like to add additional maple syrup over the top of the warm bars.  

My husband likes to add yogurt on top with additional fresh blueberries, granola, and a drizzle of honey. 

I love eating them cold throughout the day. They are a great snack to get me through the rest of the day.  

My mom loves eating a slice with a cup of coffee. Oh, the possibilities are endless. Whether you eat them for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a nighttime dessert, your body will thank you for the nourishment!  

How Are They Healthy?

I wasn’t joking when I said they are healthy for you. 

They have the perfect combination of healthy fats, carbs, protein, and fiber and contain low sugar and no crap. Think about it. With each bar, you’re filling your body with a serving or two of fruit and veggies. (Think sweet potato, blueberries, and banana). 

One of the best perks is that the banana and sweet potato ingredients are disguised in this healthy baked good so your picky eater will never know what’s in it. (Those are my favorite kinds of meals, LOL).

Ingredients

Organic sweet potatoes: Roasting the sweet potatoes in halves is the best way to cook them, in my opinion.

Ripe banana: Organic bananas bake up nicely in this healthy sweet potato recipe.

Applesauce: Grab a small container of plain, no added sugar, organic applesauce. This ingredient takes the place of eggs in this delicious breakfast.

Maple syrup: This is the best natural and organic sweetener by far. I like to purchase a large bottle of pure organic maple syrup from Costco. They have the best deal on this expensive sweetener, for sure.

Pure vanilla: Did you know that you can make vanilla extract? All you need is organic vodka and high-quality vanilla beans.

Flax egg: This is the vegan version of an egg when it comes to baking. You will only need filtered water and organic ground flaxseed mixed together for this simple egg replacement. 

Coconut oil: Another Costco deal, grab a large container 

Almond flour: This gluten-free white flour alternative has the best flavor and texture.

Oat flour: Another gluten-free, unprocessed flour that bakes up perfectly. 

Baking powder: This ingredient is needed to help these bars perfectly rise. 

Cinnamon: This is the perfect breakfast spice in my opinion. Not to mention organic ground cinnamon has wonderful health perks.

​Organic blueberries: Grab a container of fresh blueberries to place on the top of these bars. You won’t want to miss this step. They are juicy and sweet, yum!

Organic pecans: This is a great way to add some plant-based protein to these bars. I also really enjoy the crunch of these healthy nuts.

Sea salt: You will only need a pinch of salt to finish off these delicious bars.

Instructions

Step one: Make the flax egg. Combine 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water. Wisk in a small bowl. Place in fridge for 15-30 minutes to thicken.

Step two: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step three: Heat the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 6-second increments. Give it a little stir after each microwave session. Once it is fully liquid, place it on the counter to cool slightly. *Only slightly melt it.

Step four: Place all of the wet ingredients into a food processor (including the flax egg and melted coconut oil), and blend until completely smooth. Transfer the mixture to a medium-sized bowl. *I usually place the coconut oil in last, right before blending to avoid it hardening.

Step five: Place all of the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet. Give it all a stir until everything is incorporated. (Do not over mix).

Step six: Line an 8×8 metal or glass baking pan with parchment paper and then grease the parchment paper, as well.

Step seven: Spread the batter evenly into the pan, making sure to get into all of the corners.

Step eight: Time for the toppings. Press the blueberries and pecans into the top of the batter, one by one.

Step nine: Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the middle comes out clean on a toothpick.

Step ten: Let cool for about 10 minutes. Transfer the bars to a cutting board. (Do this by gently lifting up the parchment paper and carrying the cake over to the board). Cut into 12 even squares. Eat them warm or allow them to cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Other Mouthwatering Toppings

Grab your favorite toppings to add to these bars before baking. Here are some other recommended toppings besides pecans and blueberries.

Fresh berries such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries.

Chocolate chips are tasty on these bars. If you want to add some sweetness, add a handful for sure.

​Walnuts would make a great topping as well. 

Feel free to add a drizzle of almond butter, peanut butter, honey, and/or maple syrup over a warm, freshly cooked piece of blueberry, banana, and sweet potato breakfast bars. A sprinkle of hemp seeds would boost the protein and nutritional benefits, as well.

Tips + Modifications

If you do not have roasted or cooked sweet potato on hand, follow these instructions. To cook the sweet potato:  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut the washed sweet potato in half, lengthwise. Cover the halves in coconut oil and add them to a lined pan. Cook for 40 minutes, slipping halfway.

How to Store These Bars

Grab an airtight container or top your baking dish with aluminum foil and store the bars in the fridge for up to five days. I actually love to eat them cold, right out of the fridge.

Other Vegan Breakfast Recipes To Try

Here are the top five clever ways to meal prep in mason jars. Perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts that are actually healthy. All are dairy-free, simple to make, and made with wholesome ingredients.

Enjoy!

XOXO

Michelle