Banana Bars Recipe
🕒 Cook Time: 30 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 50 minutes
Description:
Looking for a sweet treat that’s even more special than banana bread? Look no further! These banana bars are a crowd-pleaser, loved by both young and old alike. Inspired by a recipe from Taste of Home’s Quick Cooking, these bars are moist, flavorful, and oh-so-delicious. While the frosting adds an extra layer of indulgence, these bars are just as delightful without it. Whip up a batch today and watch them disappear in no time!
Recipe Category: Breads
Keywords: Dessert, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 297.9
- Fat Content: 12.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 31.4mg
- Sodium Content: 363.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 42.6g
- Fiber Content: 1.4g
- Sugar Content: 24.1g
- Protein Content: 4.7g
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 6 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 13×9-inch baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs to the creamed mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Mix in the mashed banana and vanilla extract until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
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Stir in the chopped nuts, if using.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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While the bars are baking, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and cool slightly.
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Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a good spreading consistency.
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Once the bars are done baking, cool them in the pan on a wire rack.
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Once cooled, spread the frosting over the top of the bars.
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Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy these delicious banana bars as a delightful dessert or snack!
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
These banana bars are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether enjoyed plain or with frosting, their moist texture and banana flavor make them irresistible. Whip up a batch today and savor every bite!
