Frosted Banana Bars
Frosted Banana Bars are moist, flavorful treats blending ripe banana sweetness with a light frosting, perfect for snack time or dessert, appealing to banana lovers and casual bakers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F.
- Spray a 9 x 9-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Beat sugar, sour cream, oleo, and egg whites in a large bowl on low speed for 1 minute, scraping the bowl occasionally.
- Beat in bananas and vanilla on low speed for 30 seconds.
- Beat in flour, salt, and baking soda on medium speed for 1 minute, scraping the bowl occasionally.
- Stir in chopped nuts.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until light brown.
- Allow to cool.
- Spread with frosting and cut into 24 bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using Greek yogurt instead of low-fat sour cream. If you don't have oleo, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for optimal sweetness. When mixing, be careful not to overbeat the batter; this can lead to dense bars instead of the desired light texture.
Serving Suggestions
These frosted banana bars are perfect as a sweet afternoon treat or dessert. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful pairing. They also make a great snack on the go. For a twist, try serving them alongside a cup of coffee or tea, enhancing the experience with flavors that complement the banana and frosting.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven at 350°F for a few minutes until just warmed through. This will help retain their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frosted Banana Bars contains roughly 46 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 499mg per serving (22% 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 freeze the frosted banana bars?
Yes, you can freeze the frosted banana bars! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
What type of frosting works best on these bars?
A simple cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with these banana bars, enhancing their flavor without overpowering it. Alternatively, a light vanilla buttercream can be used for a sweeter touch. Feel free to experiment with different frostings to find your perfect match!
Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can elevate the flavor of the banana bars. About 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips works well. Just fold them into the batter along with the chopped nuts for a delicious twist that many will love.
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).