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Banana Bars Recipe

4.5 from 54 reviews

Deliciously moist and flavorful Banana Bars made with ripe bananas, warm spices, and a soft buttery base. These bars are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert and can be topped with optional frosting for extra indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Bars

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting (Optional)

  • Frosting of your choice for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Combine ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture just until combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness in the bars.
  4. Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the greased baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350°F, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
  5. Cool and frost: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, if desired, spread your choice of frosting evenly over the top before cutting into bars and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure bananas are ripe with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
  • Do not overmix the batter once you add the flour to keep the bars tender and moist.
  • Frosting is optional; cream cheese frosting pairs particularly well with banana bars.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • These bars can be frozen for longer storage; thaw before serving.

Keywords: banana bars, banana dessert, easy dessert bars, moist banana bars, homemade banana bars, banana cake bars