Description
These banana bread bars offer a moist, flavorful, and easy-to-make treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Made with ripe bananas, sugars, eggs, and optional nuts or chocolate chips, they provide a deliciously comforting experience in a convenient bar form.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Optional Mix-Ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking the bars evenly.
- Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the ripe bananas until smooth, leaving some small chunks if you prefer texture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Pour melted butter into the mashed bananas and mix well. Add the granulated and brown sugars, stirring until fully combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack eggs into the mixture and pour in vanilla extract. Whisk until the batter is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour thoroughly.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to avoid overmixing, which keeps the bars tender.
- Add Mix-Ins: Fold in optional chopped walnuts or pecans and chocolate chips if desired, distributing them evenly.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, optionally lining the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Pour Batter: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread it evenly for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for a decorative touch.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite nuts like walnuts or pecans, or add chocolate chips to enhance flavors.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature paired nicely with coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
