Banana Bars: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Every Baker
Are you looking for a simple yet satisfying dessert recipe? Look no further! These banana bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet delivering maximum flavor. Perfect for satisfying a sweet craving, bringing to a potluck, or simply enjoying a treat at home, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a quick bake.
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- For the Banana Filling:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let's get baking! The process is straightforward and easy to follow, even for beginner bakers.
Making the Crust:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add Melted Butter: Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until a crumbly mixture forms.
- Press into Pan: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust.
Preparing the Banana Filling:
- Mash Bananas: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and mix well.
- Combine Dry & Wet: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Pour over Crust: Pour the banana filling evenly over the prepared crust.
Baking & Cooling:
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the banana bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This prevents them from crumbling.
Tips for the Perfect Banana Bars:
- Ripe Bananas are Key: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The riper, the better!
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in tough banana bars. Mix until just combined.
- Cool Completely: Patience is key! Allowing the bars to cool completely will prevent them from breaking apart when you cut them.
- Storage: Store leftover banana bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations & Serving Suggestions:
- Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition to the crust or filling.
- Chocolate Chips: A handful of chocolate chips in the filling adds a delightful chocolatey twist.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled bars for extra sweetness.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent treat.
This easy banana bars recipe is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy baking and the delicious results! Remember to share your baking creations and tag us using #bananabarsrecipe. Happy Baking!