If you’re looking for a delicious twist on classic banana bread, Banana Bread Bars are your answer! These moist, cakey bars combine everything you love about banana bread—sweet ripe bananas, a hint of cinnamon, and a touch of tangy sour cream—into a snackable, sharable treat. Perfect for using up overripe bananas, these bars are easy to whip up and even easier to devour. Whether you serve them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or slathered with cream cheese frosting, you’ll fall in love with the irresistible flavor and tender crumb of Banana Bread Bars.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Banana Bread Bars is how they turn simple pantry staples into something special. Each ingredient plays a role, from rich butter for tenderness to overripe bananas for maximum flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to make your batch the best ever.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the bars and helps them bake up golden and tender.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): The secret to extra-moist, flavorful bars—don’t skip it!
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add a bit of lift for a perfect crumb.
- Mashed ripe bananas (1 cup, about 2–3 bananas): The riper, the better—their natural sweetness shines here.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Gives the bars structure while keeping them soft and chewy.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures the bars rise beautifully without being dense.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a cozy warmth that pairs perfectly with banana.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): For crunch and a nutty bite—totally optional but delightful!
- Powdered sugar or cream cheese frosting (for topping, optional): A simple dusting or a decadent swipe takes these bars over the top.
How to Make Banana Bread Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your Banana Bread Bars come out cleanly and have perfectly crisp edges.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is key to getting that light, cake-like texture in your bars. Don’t rush it—give it a good three to five minutes!
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the sour cream, eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is beautifully smooth and well incorporated. The sour cream keeps things extra moist, while the bananas bring a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisking disperses the leavening and spices evenly, so every bite of your Banana Bread Bars is perfectly flavored.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep those bars soft and tender. If you like a little crunch, fold in the chopped nuts now.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before adding your finishing touch.
Step 7: Finish and Slice
For a classic look, dust the bars with powdered sugar. If you’re feeling indulgent, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars. Slice into 12 squares and enjoy every perfectly tender bite!
How to Serve Banana Bread Bars
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar makes these bars look elegant and inviting, but don’t hesitate to go all out with a thick swipe of cream cheese frosting. For a nutty crunch, scatter a few extra chopped walnuts or pecans on top. Even a drizzle of melted chocolate can turn Banana Bread Bars into a show-stopping dessert.
Side Dishes
Banana Bread Bars are lovely with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, making them an ideal afternoon pick-me-up. For brunch, pair them with a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt. Their gentle sweetness also complements salty breakfast staples like bacon or scrambled eggs.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into small squares for a party platter, or wrap individual pieces in parchment for an on-the-go snack. You can even layer Banana Bread Bars parfait-style with whipped cream and berries in a glass for a dessert that’s as pretty as it is tasty. However you serve them, these bars always bring a smile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Banana Bread Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you’ve frosted them, it’s best to refrigerate to keep the topping firm and delicious. Either way, these bars stay moist and flavorful for days—if you can resist eating them all at once!
Freezing
Banana Bread Bars freeze beautifully. Once cooled, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked goodness, warm a bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If you like your bars with a little crispness, pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes. Serve warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a real treat!
FAQs
Can I make Banana Bread Bars without nuts?
Absolutely! The nuts are completely optional. If you prefer your bars nut-free, just leave them out—no adjustments needed. The bars will still be soft, moist, and full of banana flavor.
What’s the best way to mash bananas for this recipe?
Use a fork for a rustic, chunky mash, or a potato masher for a smoother texture. Super ripe bananas mash easiest and blend seamlessly into the batter, so don’t be shy about using those spotty bananas on your counter.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and a subtle nutty flavor. Using all whole wheat flour might make the bars a bit dense, so a half-and-half blend is a great balance.
How do I know when the Banana Bread Bars are done?
Start checking at 25 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should spring back when touched.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, and it’s a delicious upgrade! Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking for a fun twist. The melty chocolate pairs perfectly with the sweet banana flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Banana Bread Bars, now’s the perfect time to give them a go. They’re easy, versatile, and destined to become a favorite whether you serve them for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Grab those ripe bananas and treat yourself—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Banana Bread Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and moist banana bread bars made with ripe bananas, topped with optional powdered sugar or cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Toppings (Optional)
- Powdered sugar
- Cream cheese frosting
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Combine wet ingredients: Mix in the sour cream, eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, uniform batter.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined without overmixing to keep the bars moist and tender.
- Add nuts (optional): Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans if desired, adding a nice crunch to the bars.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and spread it out. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar or spread with cream cheese frosting for an extra special touch before slicing into 12 bars.
Notes
- These bars are perfect for using up overripe bananas that might otherwise be discarded.
- For an extra treat, stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
