Banana Squares
Banana Squares are moist, flavorful bars combining ripe banana and sweet butterscotch chips. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they offer a delightful blend of fruity and sweet flavors with a tender crumb. These easy-to-make treats are great for sharing at parties or enjoying as a comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy.
- Beat in egg, vanilla, and mashed banana.
- In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly.
- Stir in butterscotch chips.
- Spread batter evenly in a greased 9-inch square baking pan.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool in the pan on a rack, then cut into 16 squares.
- Store in refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture and flavor, consider using a ripe banana. If you don't have butterscotch chips, chocolate chips or walnuts can be great substitutes. To ensure even baking, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time. Make sure to let the squares cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges.
Serving Suggestions
These banana squares make a delightful dessert on their own but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, try drizzling them with caramel sauce or serving them alongside Easy Egg Custard Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For best results, allow them to come to room temperature before serving. If you prefer them warm, gently reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Squares contains roughly 58 calories, with 1g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 572mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute granulated white sugar for brown sugar, but the squares will be less moist and lack the caramel flavor that brown sugar provides. If possible, try to use light brown sugar for a closer flavor match.
Can I make these banana squares gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free banana squares, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your other ingredients, especially baking powder, are gluten-free as well.
How can I tell when my banana squares are done baking?
Your banana squares are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).