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Banana Bread Bars: The Ultimate Moist and Flavorful Treat Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 87 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Banana Bread Bars are a moist, flavorful treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Made with ripe bananas, sugars, eggs, and optional walnuts or chocolate chips, they have a tender crumb and rich taste. Easy to prepare and bake, these bars offer a delightful way to enjoy classic banana bread in bar form.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Optional Mix-ins

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the banana bread bars.
  2. Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth, leaving some small chunks for texture if desired.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted butter and stir until combined. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack the eggs into the mixture and add the vanilla extract, whisking until the batter is smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour.
  6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently to avoid overmixing and keep the batter tender.
  7. Add Mix-Ins: Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and chocolate chips if using, distributing them evenly through the batter.
  8. Prepare Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, and optionally line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
  9. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
  10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  11. Cool: Let the banana bread bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice into 12-16 bars and optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • You can customize the bars by adding your favorite nuts, chocolate chips, or omit these for a simple version.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to keep them fresh longer.
  • For nut allergies, omit the nuts and consider adding extra chocolate chips or dried fruit instead.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative.