Peanut Butter Banana Squares
These decadent Peanut Butter Banana Squares combine rich peanut butter, ripe banana, and chocolate chips for a flavorful treat perfect for sharing. With a moist crumb and nutty crunch, they suit snack times, casual gatherings, or a comforting dessert for banana and peanut lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup peanut butter ⓘ
- 1/3 cup softened butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 large eggs ⓘ
- 1 small ripe banana, mashed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup walnut pieces ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) package semi-sweet chocolate chips ⓘ
- Powdered sugar (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter an 8 or 9-inch square baking pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, at medium speed, beat peanut butter and softened butter until well blended.
- Gradually beat in brown sugar and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Beat in mashed banana and vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients; beat just until combined.
- Stir in walnut pieces and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the edges pull away from the pan.
- Cool on a wire rack, then cut into squares.
- Cover with plastic wrap and serve the next day.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use natural peanut butter. If you're out of walnuts, chopped pecans or almonds make great substitutes. Feel free to replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile. Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to ensure a tender square.
Serving Suggestions
These Peanut Butter Banana Squares are delightful as an afternoon snack or dessert. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. For a twist, serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect addition to any cozy gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to a month. To reheat, place squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold for a delicious treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter Banana Squares contains roughly 287 calories, with 3g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 14g fat.
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 almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter works well as a substitute for peanut butter in this recipe. It will give the squares a slightly different flavor, but they will still be delicious. Just ensure the almond butter is creamy and not too thick to maintain the right consistency in the batter.
How can I make these squares gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a small amount if it doesn’t. The texture might vary slightly, but they should still turn out delicious.
Can I add more banana to the recipe?
Absolutely! If you want a stronger banana flavor, feel free to add an extra half or full banana to the batter. Just be cautious not to add too much, as it could alter the texture and moisture content of the squares. A little extra banana can enhance the sweetness and flavor!
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).