Description
These banana bread bars are a moist, flavorful treat perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Made with ripe bananas, they boast a tender texture and can be customized with walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added richness.
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’s ready when the batter is mixed.
- Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture if desired.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted butter into the mashed bananas and stir until combined. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing thoroughly.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack the eggs into the mixture and add vanilla extract. Whisk until the batter is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring gently to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bars.
- Add Mix-Ins: Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and chocolate chips if using to add extra texture and flavor.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray and optionally line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check 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, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, cut into 12-16 bars. Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Customize the bars with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to keep them fresh longer.
- These bars can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, ideal with coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
