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
Scale
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
