Irresistible Banana Bars Recipe You’ll Love to Bake

The aroma of freshly baked Banana Bars wafts through the air, inviting you to indulge in a sweet, moist treat that’s just waiting to be devoured. Imagine sinking your teeth into the soft, chewy texture while flavors of ripe bananas and hints of cinnamon dance on your taste buds, leaving you craving more.

I still remember the first time I made these Banana Bars for a family gathering. My relatives devoured them faster than I could say “banana bread,” each bite sparking laughter and compliments. They’re perfect for brunch, kids’ snacks, or even late-night cravings—who can resist a delicious dessert at any hour?

Nothing beats the joy of sharing these delightful bars with friends and family who can’t get enough of their goodness.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ripe Bananas: Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture; they should have plenty of brown spots.

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure for your bars; sift it before measuring for better results.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your preference.

• Baking Soda: This helps your bars rise; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.

• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth; use ground cinnamon or freshly grated to elevate flavor.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together; room temperature eggs mix more easily into your batter.

• Butter: Melted butter enriches the bars with a decadent flavor; don’t skimp on quality!

• Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances overall flavor—opt for pure vanilla extract if you can.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Banana Bars

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray, ensuring a smooth release after baking.

Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash about three ripe bananas until smooth. You want a creamy texture that will blend seamlessly into the batter.

Combine Wet Ingredients: Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of dry components throughout the mixture.

Add Dry to Wet: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be gentle here; you want to maintain that lovely airy texture while getting everything combined.

Bake and Cool: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cooling in the pan before slicing into squares.

These Banana Bars are so scrumptious that they might just disappear before you get a chance to enjoy them!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you mash the bananas. Mix wet ingredients first, then gradually add dry ingredients for a smooth batter. This simple order ensures even mixing, preventing any lumps.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out some flour for oats or throw in a handful of walnuts or chocolate chips. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding honey or maple syrup if you prefer a more natural flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store your banana bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

A friend once told me that these banana bars were so good they disappeared within minutes at her party, leaving only crumbs and happy faces behind!

FAQ

How ripe should bananas be for banana bars?

Use very ripe bananas with dark spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.

Can I freeze banana bars?

Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months without losing flavor.

What toppings go well with banana bars?

Try cream cheese frosting, melted chocolate drizzle, or fresh fruit on top!

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Banana Bars

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These delightful Banana Bars are the perfect fusion of ripe bananas and warm cinnamon, creating a soft, chewy treat that is hard to resist. Ideal for brunch, snacks, or late-night cravings, they bring joy to any occasion. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, these bars will have your friends and family coming back for more!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cooling before slicing.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 56g)
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: For added texture and flavor, consider incorporating walnuts or chocolate chips into the batter. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week.