Butter Banana Bars are the sweet, chewy dessert you’ve been dreaming of! Imagine biting into a soft, buttery bar that melts in your mouth, with the delightful sweetness of ripe bananas combined with just a hint of vanilla. The aroma wafting from your oven will make your neighbors wish they were invited over for coffee and snacks.
Picture this: a lazy Sunday afternoon, the sun is shining, and youβre rummaging through your kitchen for something sweet. You find those overripe bananas staring back at you, begging to be transformed into something magical. These Butter Banana Bars are perfect for sharing at picnics or enjoying as a late-night treat all by yourselfβno judgment here!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Butter Banana Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weekdays or last-minute gatherings.
- The rich banana flavor paired with buttery goodness creates a dessert that’s hard to resist.
- Their beautiful golden color and rich texture make them visually appealing on any dessert table.
- Enjoy them warm from the oven or chilled; they’re versatile enough for any occasion.
Ingredients for Butter Banana Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Bananas: Use about 3 medium-sized ripe bananas; the riper they are, the sweeter your bars will be.
- Unsalted Butter: You’ll need half a cup of melted butter for that rich, buttery flavor that makes these bars irresistible.
- Granulated Sugar: Just one cup of sugar will add the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the bananas.
- Brown Sugar: Adding half a cup of brown sugar gives these bars a lovely caramel undertone that complements the banana flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: One and a half cups of flour will provide the structure and texture needed for these delicious bars.
- Baking Powder: A teaspoon of baking powder helps the bars rise slightly and achieve that lovely soft texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors, making each bite delectable.
- Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon adds an aromatic quality that elevates the overall flavor profile of your bars.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Butter Banana Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grab an appropriate baking panβeither an 8×8 or a 9×9-inch square pan works greatβand grease it lightly with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mash Those Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash those ripe bananas until smooth using a fork or potato masher. You want them creamy but not completely liquefied; think chunky baby food.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter to the mashed bananas along with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined and glossy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients while stirring until just combinedβno one wants tough banana bars!
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Transfer your batter into the greased baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice into squares once cooled down enough (if you can wait!) and serve warm or chilledβyour call!
Now youβve made some scrumptious Butter Banana Bars that are sure to disappear faster than you can say “banana bread!” Grab a plate (or donβt), because these delicious treats wonβt last long!
You Must Know
- These Butter Banana Bars are a delightful treat that brings together the sweetness of ripe bananas and the richness of butter.
- They are easy to whip up and perfect for sharing with friends or family.
- Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast on the go!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you mash those bananas into submission. Then, mix your wet ingredients before combining them with the dry. This ensures everything blends beautifully, creating a luscious batter that bakes evenly into gooey perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to jazz up your Butter Banana Bars with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. You can swap out regular flour for whole wheat or gluten-free flour to suit dietary preferences. Get creative and make it uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Butter Banana Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for about a week. When ready to enjoy, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Keep your bananas nice and ripe; the more spots, the sweeter they will be!
- Use room-temperature butter for easier mixing.
- Donβt overmix your batter; this keeps your bars tender and fluffy.
Sharing these Butter Banana Bars at a potluck led to several recipe requests from friends. It was heartwarming to see their faces light up after each biteβitβs moments like these that make cooking so satisfying!
FAQs :
What are Butter Banana Bars?
Butter Banana Bars are a delightful treat made with ripe bananas and a buttery batter. They offer a moist, flavorful dessert that can be enjoyed by everyone. These bars are perfect for using up overripe bananas and can be customized with various add-ins such as nuts or chocolate chips, making them versatile for different tastes. The use of butter enhances the rich flavor while keeping the texture soft and chewy.
How do I store Butter Banana Bars?
To keep your Butter Banana Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the bars. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying them again.
Can I make Butter Banana Bars healthier?
Yes! You can easily make Butter Banana Bars healthier by substituting some ingredients. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber and nutrients. You could also reduce the sugar content or replace it with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. Additionally, adding oats or nuts can boost the nutritional value while enhancing flavor and texture.
What can I pair with Butter Banana Bars?
Butter Banana Bars pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top adds a delightful contrast to the warm bars. Alternatively, serve them with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream for added creaminess. Fresh fruits like berries or sliced bananas can complement the flavors beautifully as well, making your dessert even more enjoyable.
Conclusion for Butter Banana Bars :
Butter Banana Bars are an easy-to-make treat that combines delicious flavors with simple ingredients. They are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to festive gatherings. By customizing your bars with extras like nuts or chocolate chips, you cater to diverse taste preferences while minimizing food waste by using ripe bananas. Enjoying these soft and flavorful bars will surely become a favorite indulgence, bringing joy to every bite.

Butter Banana Bars
- Author: Adeline
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Butter Banana Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of ripe bananas and buttery goodness. These soft, chewy bars are simple to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a late-night snack. With their irresistible aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they quickly become a beloved favorite among both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 3 medium ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth but slightly chunky.
- Stir in the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients while stirring gently to avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cooling in the pan for ten minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice into squares and serve warm or chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: - For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips or nuts. - Substitute whole wheat flour for added nutrition or use gluten-free flour if needed. - Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for about a week.