Spice 'N Crumb Banana Bars
Spice 'N Crumb Banana Bars offer a delightful blend of banana flavor with warm spices and a crunchy crumb topping, perfect for snack time or dessert gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter softened ⓘ
- 1 cup (2 small) bananas thinly sliced ⓘ
- 3/4 cup coconut ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon mace (optional) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for glass).
- Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off.
- In a large mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, brown sugar, and salt; mix at low speed until crumbly.
- Press 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture into an ungreased 13 x 9-inch pan to form the crust.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture for topping.
- To the remaining crumb mixture, add bananas, coconut, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace (if using), sour cream, and egg; beat for 1 minute at medium speed until well blended.
- Spread the banana mixture evenly over the crumb crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the mixture. If you're out of sour cream, plain yogurt makes a great substitute. Ensure bananas are ripe for optimal sweetness. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Adjust the spices to your taste, especially if you love cinnamon or nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
These banana bars are perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a hearty brunch, consider serving alongside dishes like No Cholesterol Deviled Eggs or Breakfast Sweet Rolls.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spice 'N Crumb Banana Bars contains roughly 153 calories, with 2g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 7g 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 freeze these banana bars?
Yes, these banana bars freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat if desired.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana for each egg. This will keep the moisture and sweetness intact while making the bars suitable for vegan diets.
How can I make these bars more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or incorporating a mix of different spices like ginger or allspice. Additionally, folding in some chocolate chips or dried fruit can add a delightful twist to the recipe.
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).