Description
These Banana Bread Bars are a moist, flavorful, and easy-to-make treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Made with ripe bananas, sugars, and optional mix-ins like nuts and chocolate chips, they bake into delicious bars that are sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Bread Bars 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
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
- Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving some small chunks if you like a bit of texture in your bars.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir until combined. Then add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing thoroughly until the sugars dissolve into the wet ingredients.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack in the eggs and pour the vanilla extract into the mixture. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Stir gently and just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bars tough.
- Add Mix-Ins: Fold in the chopped nuts and/or chocolate chips if using, spreading them evenly throughout the batter.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, optionally lining the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; 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 transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, cut into 12-16 bars and optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Customize your banana bread bars by adding your favorite mix-ins such as different nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness up to one week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
- These bars freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
