This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Click HERE to read my policies.
This Banana Nut Bars recipe is a delicious and quick dessert that is a breeze to make. A great way to use up some overripe bananas and treat your sweet tooth!
If you are looking for new ways to use overripe bananas this recipe is a must try. I love banana bread, but sometimes I want something different and these bars are a perfect change up. These bars are so yummy and have the perfect amount of sweetness. I had a hard time giving this recipe a name because these bars have a texture combination of blondies and cake. They are a touch too dense to be a cake but now quite chewy enough to be a blondie. So I ended with the generic bars title because in reality, who doesn't love a good easy bar recipe? Bars are easy to make and easy to serve, and these bars are just that.
What's In Homemade Banana Nut Bars?
- Butter
- Brown Sugar
- Eggs
- Pure Vanilla Extract
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- All Purpose Flour
- Whole Wheat Flour
- Ripe Bananas
- Chopped Walnuts
Do I have to use Whole Wheat Flour?
Nope. You can substitute all purpose flour for the whole wheat flour. If you have been following me for awhile, you will see that in most of my baked goodies, I prefer to use a blend of both flours. You do what you like best!
Can I substitute anything for the Walnuts?
Absolutely! If you are not a walnut fan, use your favorite nut. Pecans would be a good substitute. If you need to keep it nut free, you can add chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips. Ooooo those sound good!
How to Make Easy Banana Nut Bars
- First, you will need to cream together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Then add the vanilla extract followed by the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Next, add the salt, cinnamon, and all purpose flour and mix just until combined.
- Now, you will add half of the bananas, mix and then add the whole wheat flour and mix just until combined.
- Finally, add the remaining bananas and walnuts and fold them in until incorporated.
- Spread the batter into a greased 9x13 baking dish and sprinkle more walnuts on top.
- Bake the bars in a 350° oven for 30-40 minutes and until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few crumbs.
- Let bars cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to store Banana Bars with Walnuts?
I leave the bars in the baking dish, using a tight fitting lid and let them sit on the counter. They will last 3-4 days on the counter, if there are any left 4 days later. Never is at my house! You can also slice them and store them in any air tight container.
Can you freeze Banana Nut Bars?
Yes! These bars freeze great. You can place the cooled bars in a freezer safe air tight container or you can individually wrap the bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer safe zip top bag. I like doing this with bars, because then I can just pull one or two or three out at a time to thaw.
Looking for more ways to use those bananas? Here are some good recipes to try!
- Banana Bread Dark Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Chocolate Banana Bread
- Banana Scones
- Crumb Topped Banana Bread
- Banana Nut Muffins
- Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes
- Peanut Butter Banana Brownies
- Banana Belgian Waffles
- Peanut Butter & Banana Chocolate Muffins
- Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Banana Pancakes with Fried Cinnamon Bananas
- Chocolate Chip Banana Blondies
- Banana Chocolate Chip Oat Squares
- Chocolate Banana Dessert Cups
Give these quick and delicious Banana Nut Bars a try and let me know how much you enjoy them in the comments below! Pictures encouraged on Instagram with the hashtag #heathershomemadekitchen You can also follow me on Social Media to see what other crazy things my family and I are doing! If you like what you see, please share with your friends and family!
Don’t forget to pin the recipe for later!
Banana Nut Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup unbleached all purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- In a stand mixer or with a hand beater, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add the vanilla and eggs, one egg at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the salt, cinnamon, and all purpose flour and mix just until combined.
- Add half of the bananas and mix through.
- Add the whole wheat flour and mix just until combined.
- Add the remaining bananas and ½ cup of walnuts and mix until incorporated.
- Evenly spread the batter in greased dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup walnuts on top of the batter.
- Bake the bars for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with few crumbs.
- Let bars cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Leave a comment