Really Good Bar Cookies
Sweet, moist bar cookies with bananas, oats, and nuts, offering a comforting flavor perfect for snack time or dessert, suitable for all ages and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together butter, sugar, and egg.
- Add mashed bananas to the mixture.
- Sift together flour, soda, salt, and nutmeg.
- Mix the sifted dry ingredients into the banana mixture.
- Stir in quick oats and nuts.
- Pour the batter into a sheet pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- While warm, glaze with powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have nuts on hand, you can substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Make sure to mash the bananas well to ensure they incorporate smoothly into the batter. Adding cinnamon can also enhance the flavor profile, creating a delightful twist reminiscent of American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These bar cookies can be served warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect snack or dessert option. For a special treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the bar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm in an oven at low temperature until slightly heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Really Good Bar Cookies contains roughly 1685 calories, with 16g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 121g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2244mg per serving (98% 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 frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This will ensure the right consistency in your batter.
What can I use if I have a gluten allergy?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, especially oats, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How do I know when the bar cookies are done baking?
The bar cookies are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking.
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).