4 Ingredient Banana Bars
These 4 Ingredient Banana Bars are a simple, tender treat that uses overripe bananas to create a comforting dessert perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 large overripe bananas, mashed The riper, the sweeter; look for brown-spotted skins.
- 1 cup self-rising flour Substitute: combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- 1/2 cup sugar Substitute: coconut sugar or honey (adjust liquid if using honey).
- 1/3 cup melted butter or neutral oil For a richer flavor use butter; coconut oil adds a slight tropical note.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas with a fork until mostly smooth but still a touch lumpy.
- Stir the sugar into the bananas until glossy and syrupy. Add the melted butter and whisk until combined.
- Sift in the self-rising flour or gently fold in the flour-baking powder-salt mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Optional: sprinkle chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a pinch of cinnamon on top.
Baking
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out by the parchment and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For an enhanced flavor, try variations such as adding nuts, chocolate swirls, or spices. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerated for up to 5 days, and frozen for up to 3 months.