Banana Bars

There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting smell of freshly baked Banana Bars wafting through your kitchen. Imagine a soft, moist bar that melts in your mouth, with hints of sweet bananas and a sprinkle of cinnamon dancing on your taste buds. You can almost hear the joyful chorus of “Wow, did you make these?” from friends and family who simply can’t resist a second (or third) helping.

These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together or just need a quick pick-me-up during a Netflix binge. Trust me; once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! So grab those ripe bananas sitting on your counter and let’s get baking!

I remember the first time I made Banana Bars for my family. My kids were initially skeptical because they were convinced anything with “banana” in the name was destined to be weird. After one bite, their faces lit up like it was Christmas morning!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are heavily speckled; these will give the bars maximum sweetness and moisture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better flavor; it really makes a difference in texture.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; feel free to reduce it if your bananas are extra ripe!
• Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind everything together; try using large eggs for best results.
• Butter: Melted butter adds richness; unsalted is preferred so you control the salt level.
• Baking Powder: This is crucial for fluffiness; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon enhances flavor; don’t skip it unless you want boring bars!
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the overall taste; imitation just won’t cut it here.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mash Those Bananas!: In a large bowl, mash 2-3 ripe bananas until smooth. The riper they are, the easier this will be and more flavorful your bars will turn out!

Mix Wet Ingredients: Add melted butter and sugar into the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined. Then beat in one egg and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully blended.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing gently until just combined—don’t overmix!

Pour Into Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula. Look at that smooth surface—it’s like a canvas ready for masterpiece!

Bake Away!: Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The aroma during baking? Pure magic!

Once cooled slightly, slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature—trust me; they’re fantastic either way! Enjoy these decadent Banana Bars with friends or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here).

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mashing ripe bananas before mixing the wet ingredients. This ensures a smooth batter and even flavor throughout the banana bars.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store banana bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in plastic wrap for up to three months.

The first time I made banana bars, my friends devoured them within minutes! Their delighted faces were priceless, and now it’s a go-to recipe for gatherings.

FAQ

What type of bananas should I use for banana bars?

Use very ripe bananas; their sweetness enhances the flavor of the bars.

Can I substitute flour in banana bars?

Yes, you can use almond flour or whole wheat flour as alternatives.

How do I know when my banana bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when they’re ready.

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Banana Bars

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible taste of homemade Banana Bars, where sweet, ripe bananas blend perfectly with warm spices like cinnamon. These moist, fluffy bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile—ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them solo during a cozy night in, your taste buds will thank you!

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Ingredients

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• 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Mix in melted butter and sugar until combined, then stir in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool slightly before slicing into squares.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 50g)
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg