Before departing on a road trip to New Orleans, I wanted to come up with a simple snack that would be healthy and nutritious, but also delicious and fun. Throughout my childhood, my mom would always make me peanut butter and banana toast for breakfast, “Elvis sandwiches” as we would call them, though unlike the King, we always held off on the butter and bacon. I felt a craving for some of this delicious nostalgia, but decided to put a new spin on it. The result: my new Peanut Butter Banana Pizza. While this new spin on the King’s classic kept my spirits and fuel tank high enough to beast the entire fourteen hour drive home from New Orleans to Chicago myself, I enjoyed these “pizzas” so much that they have become my go-to snack and lunch nearly every day since coming back.
Nutritionally, the “pizza” is an excellent combination of the dietary fiber found in the brown rice cake and banana; healthy, monosaturated fat and protein found in the peanut butter; and a boost of antioxidants from the natural berry preserves and cinnamon. The pizza is also very light—packing a heavy punch of flavor and nutrition without any bog—plus they are super fun and tasty, and will make you happy!
Peanut Butter Banana Pizza
Ingredients for one “pizza”:
- One organic brown rice cake
- One tablespoon natural peanut butter
- 1/3 to 1/2 banana, sliced
- A dash of cinnamon
Directions:
Start with the rice cake and add all the ingredients on top!
Optional Additions:
One tablespoon natural berry preserve (strawberry is my favorite); or if you have them around, and have the time on your hands, mash up fresh blueberries or blackberries to create your own fresh fruit jam. You can also sprinkle berries on top of the pizza for extra toppings.
Top with nuts and seeds, such as almonds or flaxseeds, for additional nutrition and crunch— pumpkin seeds are my personal favorite addition.
