Everyone loves this fluffy and moist banana bars recipe!
Loaded with banana flavor, serve them unfrosted as a wholesome breakfast bar or frosted for a sweet afternoon snack or dessert!
Tasty and sweet these are perfect for any occasion!
Best Banana Bars
- Economical! Save those spotty bananas in the freezer until you’ve got enough to bake a batch or two of banana bars!
- Get creative! This recipe practically begs for add-ins and extras. Create a new banana bar recipe every time you make it!
- Or try this easy twist on banana bread and enjoy a square or two with coffee, cocoa, and a breakfast smoothie, or a tall, cold glass of milk!
Ingredients and Variations
Bananas – For the best banana flavor, use overly ripe bananas that are soft.
Batter – Use a 1:1 ratio of white and wheat flour for a punch of extra fiber or stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder, if desired. With so few ingredients, real butter is preferable to margarine for its flavor.
Frosting – Use a can of store-bought cream cheese frosting or make your own. Swirl in some peanut butter or top with coconut flakes, granola, walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, or slices of banana, the possibilities are endless!
Add-Ins – Stir in mini chocolate chips, chopped dried fruit, or old-fashioned oats (this variety will keep its shape better than regular oatmeal) into the batter.
How to Make Banana Bars
- Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl (per recipe below).
- Cream the butter & sugar in a separate bowl until fluffy. Add the bananas & remaining ingredients.
- Stir the flour into the banana mixture until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared baking tray and bake until a wooden pick comes out clean.
- Ice the banana bars once they are cooled, or top them with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Time Saving Tips and Tricks
- Speed up banana ripening by placing them unpeeled in a brown paper bag for a couple of days or bake them (unpeeled) in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Bake and take or bake and freeze for last-minute treats!
Storing Banana Bars
Store frosted banana bars in a covered container for up to four days. Freeze portions on a baking sheet, then wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to four weeks. Bake and freeze the whole pan (uncut), and wrap in plastic for up to a month. To thaw, unwrap and thaw at room temperature. Serve with or without frosting.
Banana Inspired Goodness!
Have you tried this Banana Bars recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!
Banana Bars
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 ½ cups mashed bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (12 ounce container) cream cheese frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Grease an 9×13 baking pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, bananas and vanilla.
- Stir in the flour mixture just until combined. Pour batter into prepared baking tray.
- Bake for 18-23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once completely cooled, spread cream cheese frosting over bars.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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