Description
These Banana Bread Bars are a moist, flavorful treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Made with ripe bananas, a blend of sugars, and optional mix-ins like nuts and chocolate chips, they’re easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection. Customize them to your liking and enjoy a delicious homemade bar anytime!
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 of the bars.
- Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks for added texture if you prefer.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted butter into the mashed bananas and mix well. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar, stirring until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring even distribution.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the baking soda and salt with the all-purpose flour to prepare the dry mix.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the bars tough.
- Add Mix-Ins: Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and chocolate chips if using, evenly distributing them throughout the batter.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Optionally, line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and Serve: Once fully cooled, slice into 12-16 bars. Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea.
Notes
- Customize the bars by adding your favorite nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and moisture in the bars.
