Delightfully Moist Banana Bars Recipe
Introduction
If you find yourself with an abundance of overripe bananas languishing on your kitchen counter, fear not, for this delightful recipe for banana bars will turn them into a deliciously sweet treat that is perfect for any occasion. These moist and tender banana bars are a fantastic way to not only make use of those overripe bananas but also to satisfy your sweet tooth. Often, I like to add chocolate chips to the banana mixture or a hint of cocoa powder to the frosting for a delicious twist, ensuring that each bite is full of flavor. Gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe that’s sure to become a favorite among friends and family alike!
Recipe Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Recipe Name | Delightfully Moist Banana Bars |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 32 bars |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5 (2 Reviews) |
| Calories | 145.3 per serving |
Keywords
Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, Tropical Fruits, Fruit, Sweet, Less than 60 Minutes, For Large Groups
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Element | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145.3 |
| Total Fat | 5.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 28.7 mg |
| Sodium | 89.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 21.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugars | 14.3 g |
| Protein | 2.2 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | ripe bananas |
| 1 | cup granulated sugar |
| 2 | cups all-purpose flour |
| 8 | ounces light sour cream |
| 1/4 | cup unsalted butter, softened |
| 2 | teaspoons vanilla extract |
| 1 | tablespoon baking powder |
| 1/2 | teaspoon baking soda |
| 2 | large eggs |
| NA | light cream cheese |
| 8 | tablespoons butter, softened |
| 1/4 | cup vanilla |
| 1 | cup confectioners’ sugar |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your banana bars bake evenly and rise properly.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the two together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
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Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: Add the light sour cream, eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, and the batter is smooth.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to dense bars.
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Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly in the pan, ensuring that it reaches all corners.
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Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
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Cool Before Frosting: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the banana bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. After cooling, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the Frosting: While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar. Beat with a hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thicker frosting, feel free to add additional confectioners’ sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
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Frost the Bars: Once the banana bars have completely cooled, generously frost the top with your cream cheese frosting. For an added touch, you may sprinkle a few chocolate chips or cocoa powder on top.
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Slice and Serve: Using a sharp knife, slice the frosted banana bars into squares or rectangles. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
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Enjoy: Indulge in the delightful flavors of these banana bars, and share them with family and friends at gatherings or as a sweet treat after dinner. They are sure to impress and may even become your new go-to recipe for using up those overripe bananas!
Conclusion
These delightful banana bars are not just a treat for your taste buds; they also provide a wonderful way to reduce food waste by making use of overripe bananas that might otherwise go uneaten. With their moist texture and creamy frosting, they are perfect for serving at parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home with loved ones. Feel free to get creative with variations, adding chocolate chips or nuts for an added crunch. Enjoy the joy of baking and the smiles these banana bars will bring to your table!
