banana bread bars recipe

banana bread bars recipe

The Best banana bread bars recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite banana bread bars recipe. This sweet treat is a staple in our household, and for good reason – it’s moist, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether we’re having a family gathering or just need a quick breakfast on the go, these bars are always a hit. I love that they’re made with mashed bananas, which not only adds natural sweetness but also helps keep them moist and flavorful.

The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and require no special equipment or expertise.

My kids adore helping me mix the batter and even more so devouring the finished product – it’s a win-win in my book! As a busy mom, I appreciate how versatile this recipe is – we can enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or even as a healthy-ish breakfast option.

And let’s be real, who doesn’t love the smell of fresh-baked banana bread wafting through the house? It’s like a warm hug in a pan.

Over time, I’ve tweaked this recipe to perfection, and I’m thrilled to share it with you today. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started on this tasty adventure!

Banana Bread Bars

Banana Bread Bars

4.7 from 1169 votes

These banana bread bars are a moist and delicious twist on classic banana bread, baked in a convenient bar form. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, they are easy to slice and serve.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 250 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Bars

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the long sides for easy removal.
3In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Set aside.
4In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
5Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
6Add the mashed bananas and sour cream to the butter mixture and stir until combined.
7The mixture may look slightly curdled, which is normal.
8Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain.
9Fold in the chopped nuts if using.
10Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
11Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are golden brown.
12Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment overhang and transfer to the rack to cool completely.
13Slice into 12 bars before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
9×13 inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 250 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 220mg🌾Total Carbs: 37g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For extra moisture, use very ripe bananas with brown spots. You can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a heartier texture.

Watch Video Of How Banana Bread Bars Works

These banana bread bars are perfect for any occasion – whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need a quick breakfast on-the-go. They’re moist, delicious, and packed with natural sweetness from the mashed bananas.

Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and require no special equipment or expertise! My kids adore helping me mix the batter and devouring the finished product – it’s a win-win in my book!

And let’s not forget about storage – simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze for later enjoyment.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Bread Bars

Q: What type of flour is best for this recipe?

A: For this banana bread bars recipe, I recommend using all-purpose flour. It provides the right balance of structure and tenderness to the final product. You can also experiment with using whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. However, keep in mind that whole wheat flour may alter the texture slightly.

Q: Can I use ripe but not overripe bananas?

A: Yes, you can use slightly ripe bananas for this recipe. However, if you want the best flavor and texture, aim for bananas that are slightly overripe – they’ll be sweeter and easier to mash.

Q: How do I store leftover banana bread bars?

A: Store leftover banana bread bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for longer storage. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months – simply thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Q: Can I make these banana bread bars gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can easily convert this recipe to gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Keep in mind that gluten-free flours may behave differently and require adjustments in liquid content.

Q: Are these banana bread bars suitable for vegans?

A: Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as long as you use plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk or soy milk instead of regular milk.

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