About This Almond Butter and Banana Open Sandwich Recipe
Banana and nut butter (whether it be peanut butter or almond butter) sandwiches are a classic snack popular among kids and adults alike all over the world. It’s filling, naturally sweet, and very nutritious as the banana and nuts are packed with potassium and vitamins that are good for your digestion, heart health, and weight loss.
How about an even healthier twist on this classic breakfast? This Almond Butter and Banana Open Sandwich is a breadless version in which the banana, split in half, acts as the bread instead. The nut butter is spread onto the two sliced sides of the banana. Top it off with your favorite selection of nuts and a drizzle of honey and you wouldn’t go back to regular sandwiches.
I love both versions but this one is great if you’re trying to lower your intake of carbs or have gluten intolerance.
What You Need for This Almond Butter and Banana Open Sandwich Recipe
Ingredient Notes
- Banana: I prefer to use a ripe banana that is more yellow than green on its skin. You still want it to be firm though and not too bruised.
- Almond Butter: I use store-bought smooth almond butter, although it’s very simple to make yourself. Almond butter is essentially the same as peanut butter, just with almonds instead of peanuts. It is a blended almond puree that can be both sweetened or unsweetened.
- Honey: Honey is the naturally produced secretion from bees. It can come in many flavors depending on the flowers that the bees feed upon. I like to use local, natural honey.
- Tahini: Made from hulled sesame seeds that are toasted and then ground into a paste, tahini or tahina is a Middle Eastern condiment. It is served by itself or as a major ingredient in hummus, baba ghanoush, and halva.
- Toppings (nuts, seeds, & dried fruits): Any selection of your favorite toppings will work here. Nuts and seeds will give you lots of healthy antioxidants and fiber while the dried fruits will give you added sweetness.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Banana: You really could use any ripe fruit. Thickly sliced apple or mango would be particularly good.
- Almond Butter: Use any nut butter, such as peanut butter or cashew butter. Just make sure it’s blended smooth.
- Honey: Want a vegan option or just don’t like honey? No problem! Use agave or maple syrup instead.
- Tahini: There isn’t really a substitution for this, but it could be left out entirely if you want.
- Toppings (nuts, seeds, & dried fruits): It’s entirely up to you. Choose your favorite toppings; you could even use chocolate or honeycomb pieces.
FAQs
If I wanted to use bread, how should I prepare it?
Spread the nut butter and honey mix onto the bread, then lay slices of banana onto it, followed by the toppings. Another light drizzle of honey and your open-faced bread sandwich is ready!
If I use peanut butter, can I omit the tahini and honey?
Yes, peanut butter is usually sweeter than other nut butters, so it doesn’t need the extra sweetness. Try a light drizzle of honey over the toppings though so that it doesn’t taste too dry.
Can I make the nut butter myself?
Yes, nut butter is really easy to make. Simply blend the nuts with a little coconut oil and honey in a high-speed blender. (I also like to roast the nuts a little first to release the oils from the nuts faster.) If you want it unsweetened, skip the honey.
Almond Butter and Banana Open Sandwich
Description
Nut butter spread and banana have been a popular combination for sandwiches since the 1950s. This Almond Butter and Banana Open Sandwich is a fun and easy twist on that classic snack that works well for a healthy breakfast or a light lunch.
Yield: 1 serving (2 halves of one banana)
Ingredients
How To Make Almond Butter and Banana Open Sandwich Step By Step
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Cut your banana in half lengthways from root to tip and lay it onto a plate or serving board.
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In a bowl, mix your almond butter, tahini, and honey until combined.
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Spread the nut butter and honey mix onto both banana slices.
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Sprinkle a topping of mixed nuts, fruits, and seeds on both bananas.
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Drizzle with a little honey. Enjoy!
Note
- Sometimes, if the nut butter is too thick, it can be tricky to spread on the slippery open banana. Stir the nut butter vigorously before using it, so it is slightly warm and easier to spread.
- Try and eat this sandwich immediately after making it as the banana will turn brown soon.