Banana bars are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a soft and chewy texture. Whether you have overripe bananas sitting on your counter or just want a delicious snack option, these bars are the perfect solution. With their versatility, they can be enjoyed as a breakfast item, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a sweet ending to your dinner. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also yields moist and flavorful results that will have your family and friends asking for more. In this article, I’ll share how to make these scrumptious banana bars from scratch with simple ingredients you likely already have at home. You will find tips and tricks to ensure success in your baking adventure while also learning about the various ways you can customize the flavors to suit your taste buds. So grab those bananas and let’s get started on making some irresistible banana bars!
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bars
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Bananas: Use about three medium-sized ripe bananas for optimal sweetness and moisture in the bars.
- All-Purpose Flour: This will form the base of your bar mix; sift it before measuring for best results.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; you can substitute brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the bars rise; ensure it’s fresh for maximum effectiveness.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness of the sugar.
- Eggs: Two large eggs provide structure and moisture; room temperature eggs work best.
- Melted Butter: Use unsalted butter to add richness; let it cool slightly before mixing into the batter.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Banana Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan (9×13 inches) with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth using a fork or potato masher.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter and sugar into the mashed bananas; stir until well combined. Incorporate eggs one at a time for even mixing.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add dry ingredients into wet mixture; stir gently until just combined. Overmixing may lead to dense bars.
Step 6: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Transfer to plates and enjoy warm or allow them to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Ripe Bananas Are Key: The riper your bananas are, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bars will be.
- Add-ins Optional: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor if desired.
- Storage Tips: Store cooled banana bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
How to Serve banana bars
This banana bars is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Ice Cream: The creamy texture of ice cream complements the moistness of banana bars, creating a delightful dessert experience.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage enhances the flavors and makes for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Yogurt: Adding yogurt introduces a tangy element that balances the sweetness of the banana bars perfectly.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the banana bars batter in advance. Mix all the ingredients and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows for easy preparation on busy days.
- Storing: Once baked, let the banana bars cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can last up to five days at room temperature or up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about five minutes. This helps maintain their soft texture.
FAQs :
What are banana bars?
Banana bars are delicious baked treats made primarily from ripe bananas, flour, sugar, and eggs. They have a moist texture and a sweet flavor that makes them a popular choice for breakfast or dessert. The recipe can be easily modified to include nuts, chocolate chips, or even spices like cinnamon for added flavor. These bars provide a great way to use overripe bananas that may otherwise go to waste. They are typically cut into squares or rectangles, making them easy to serve and perfect for on-the-go snacking.
How do I store banana bars?
To keep your banana bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. For optimal freshness, consider freezing the bars if you don’t plan to consume them within this time frame. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place them in a resealable freezer bag. Frozen banana bars can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature.
Can I make banana bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make gluten-free banana bars by substituting regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Many people find that almond flour or coconut flour works well as alternatives too. Just ensure that the blend you choose has a good binding quality so that the texture remains consistent. Additionally, be sure to check other ingredients like baking powder and any add-ins (like chocolate chips) to confirm they are gluten-free as well.
Are banana bars healthy?
Banana bars can be a healthier alternative to many traditional desserts when made with wholesome ingredients. Using ripe bananas adds natural sweetness, reducing the need for excess sugar. You can further enhance their nutritional profile by incorporating whole grains or adding nuts and seeds for healthy fats and protein. However, portion control is essential since they still contain calories and sugars. By making mindful ingredient choices and enjoying in moderation, banana bars can fit into a balanced diet.
How long do banana bars take to bake?
Typically, banana bars take about 25-30 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C). The exact time may vary based on your oven’s performance and the thickness of your batter in the baking dish. It’s essential to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, they are ready to be removed from the oven. Allow them to cool in the pan before slicing for easier handling.
Can I customize my banana bar recipe?
Absolutely! One of the best things about making banana bars is their versatility. You can customize your recipe by adding various mix-ins like nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips according to your taste preferences. Additionally, spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile even more. You could also experiment with different types of sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar if desired.
Conclusion :
In summary, banana bars are a delightful treat that combines simplicity with flavor. They are an excellent way to utilize ripe bananas while providing delicious snacks perfect for any time of day. Not only can these treats be customized with various mix-ins to suit individual tastes but they also offer healthier options when made with wholesome ingredients. Proper storage methods ensure that these treats remain fresh longer, allowing you to enjoy them at your leisure. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast item or an after-school snack, banana bars serve as an easy solution that’s both satisfying and enjoyable.
Print
Banana Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade banana bars, where the natural sweetness of ripe bananas meets a soft, chewy texture. This easy recipe is perfect for using up overripe bananas and serves as a fantastic snack or dessert for any occasion. Whether paired with your morning coffee or enjoyed after dinner, these moist and flavorful banana bars will have everyone coming back for seconds. Customize them with chocolate chips, nuts, or spices to suit your personal taste. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- – 3 ripe bananas
- – 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- – ¾ cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
- – 2 large eggs
- – ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- – 1 tsp baking powder
- – A pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth.
3. Mix in melted butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes
– For added flavor, consider incorporating chocolate chips or nuts.
– Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
