Betty Crocker'S Banana-Sour Cream Bars
Sweet and moist banana-sour cream bars feature a rich flavor with hints of vanilla and nuts, perfect for snacking or dessert, appealing to banana lovers and dessert enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix sugar, sour cream, margarine, and eggs in a large bowl.
- Beat in mashed bananas and vanilla.
- Add flour, salt, and baking soda; beat until well combined.
- Stir in chopped nuts if using.
- Spread batter in a greased and floured jelly roll pan (15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1 inch).
- Bake until light brown, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Cool and frost if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try substituting half of the margarine with unsalted butter. If you're short on sour cream, plain yogurt can work as a substitute. To enhance the banana flavor, use very ripe bananas. Make sure to mix the batter just until combined to keep the bars tender and moist. For added texture, consider folding in shredded coconut or chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions
These Banana-Sour Cream Bars are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They pair well with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a great addition to brunch. For a fun twist, try drizzling with caramel sauce or serving alongside fresh berries.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. If you want to keep them for more than a week, consider freezing them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly to reheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Betty Crocker'S Banana-Sour Cream Bars contains roughly 255 calories, with 6g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1064mg per serving (46% 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 different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests chopped nuts, you can use walnuts, pecans, or even almonds if you prefer. Just be sure to chop them finely so they incorporate well into the batter. If you're allergic to nuts, you can omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
What should I do if the bars are too moist?
If your bars come out too moist, it may be due to the bananas being overly ripe or too much liquid from the sour cream. To help balance this, ensure you're measuring accurately and consider adding a little extra flour to the batter. Baking for an additional few minutes may also help achieve the desired texture.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture. Additionally, adjust baking time if necessary, as gluten-free flours can sometimes require slight modifications.
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).