Tarzan Bars
Tarzan Bars are chewy, nutty bars with a fruity apricot and banana flavor, perfect for a sweet snack or lunchbox treat, appealing to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, apricot preserves, melted butter, vanilla, and eggs.
- Blend well until smooth.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, mashed bananas, and chopped nuts just until moistened.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 minutes or until done.
- Cool the bars completely.
- Spread with powdered sugar.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your bananas are overripe for maximum sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have apricot preserves, you can substitute with peach or orange marmalade. For a nut-free option, simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds. Remember to check the doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Serving Suggestions
These Tarzan Bars are delightful on their own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes or as a sweet treat at gatherings, complementing dishes like Lisa'S Rainbow Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Tarzan 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, place in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat, or enjoy them cold as a refreshing snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tarzan Bars contains roughly 499 calories, with 4g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1029mg per serving (45% 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 make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! To make Tarzan Bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Ensure that the other ingredients, especially baking soda and any added flavors, are also gluten-free.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the bars?
You can reduce the brown sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness. Alternatively, add a bit more mashed bananas to enhance natural sweetness without adding extra sugar. Keep in mind that this may affect the texture slightly.
Can I freeze Tarzan Bars?
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a chilled treat.
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).