If you’re looking to turn those spotty bananas on your counter into pure gold, these Banana Bread Bars are about to become your new best friend. They’re soft, packed with banana flavor, and just the right amount of sweet—think of them as banana bread’s fun, snackable cousin. Whether you eat them straight from the pan or jazz them up with a cream cheese glaze, these bars deliver comfort and nostalgia in every bite. Perfect for dessert, snack time, or even a cheeky breakfast, you’ll love how easy and satisfying they are.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these bars is how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients come together to make something special. Each ingredient brings its own magic, from flavor to texture, ensuring your Banana Bread Bars are moist, tender, and irresistible.
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed): The riper the better—those brown spots mean more natural sweetness and flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds rich, buttery moisture to every bite.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the bars tender.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances out the brown sugar and adds a touch of extra sweetness.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the bars with warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation that holds the bars together.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Gives the bars a gentle lift so they’re light, not dense.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds cozy, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with banana.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional): For a bit of crunch or melty chocolate in every bite—totally up to you!
How to Make Banana Bread Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it super easy to lift the bars out later—no sticking, no crumbling, just perfect squares every time.
Step 2: Mash and Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until mostly smooth. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture looks creamy and glossy. Then, mix in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Everything should be well combined at this stage, with the bananas lending a lovely aroma.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon over the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together just until you don’t see any more streaks of flour—don’t overmix, or your bars could turn out tough.
Step 4: Fold in Extras
If you’re using walnuts or chocolate chips, now’s the time to gently fold them in. This step is totally customizable, so feel free to skip or substitute with your favorite add-ins.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let the bars cool in the pan before slicing—trust me, this helps them hold their shape and makes cutting easier.
How to Serve Banana Bread Bars
Garnishes
Banana Bread Bars are delicious as-is, but if you want to dress them up, a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of glaze, or a dollop of cream cheese frosting takes them over the top. Sprinkle extra nuts or chocolate chips on top for a fun finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair a bar or two with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for an afternoon treat. If you’re serving these for brunch, fresh berries or a fruit salad on the side add a pop of color and freshness that complements the bars’ rich, sweet flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized squares for a party platter, or wrap individual bars in parchment for grab-and-go snacking. For a decadent dessert, warm a bar and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce—pure bliss!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Banana Bread Bars are completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and tasty for up to three days, making them perfect for quick snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
Want to stash some away for later? Banana Bread Bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature whenever you need a treat.
Reheating
If you like your bars warm and gooey, pop one in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven coziness, especially if you’ve added chocolate chips!
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for Banana Bread Bars?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas tend to be even sweeter, so your bars will be extra flavorful.
How do I make Banana Bread Bars dairy-free?
Simply swap the melted butter for coconut oil or your preferred plant-based butter alternative. The bars will still be rich and moist, with a subtle coconut undertone if you use coconut oil.
What can I use instead of walnuts or chocolate chips?
Feel free to get creative—try chopped pecans, dried cranberries, toffee bits, or even a handful of shredded coconut. Or leave them out entirely for a classic version.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just bake in a 9×13-inch pan and keep an eye on the baking time—it may take a few minutes longer. This is a great option for parties or family gatherings.
Are Banana Bread Bars supposed to be soft and moist?
Definitely! The bars should be tender, moist, and a little dense—like the perfect slice of banana bread but in portable, snackable form. If they seem dry, double-check your measurements and avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
These Banana Bread Bars are the kind of recipe you’ll want to bookmark and return to whenever you have ripe bananas begging to be used. They’re endlessly adaptable, simple to make, and always crowd-pleasing. Give them a try—you might just find yourself making extra bananas ripen on purpose!
Print
Banana Bread Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Bars are a deliciously moist and easy-to-make treat, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a wholesome snack. Made with ripe bananas, warm spices, and optional walnuts or chocolate chips, they capture the classic flavors of banana bread in convenient bar form.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas with the melted unsalted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated.
- Add Sugars and Egg: Mix in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat the ingredients together until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: Fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if using. This adds a crunchy texture or a sweet chocolaty touch.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly using a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 bars. This cooling step helps to set the bars and improves texture.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute melted butter with coconut oil.
- Optionally top the bars with cream cheese frosting or a light glaze for added sweetness and richness.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze to extend shelf life.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
