Banana Bread Bars
Makes:
30-32 bars
Ingredients
•2 cups granulated sugar
•1 cup brown sugar
•1 ¼ cups buttermilk
•1 cup butter, softened
•4 large eggs, room temperature
•6 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 3 cups)
•1 tsp Mexican vanilla extract
•4 cups all-purpose flour
•2 tsp baking soda
•2 tsp baking powder
•1 ½ tsp salt
•1 ½ tsp cinnamon
•½ tsp nutmeg
•1 cup chopped walnuts
Streusel Topping
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup cold butter, cubed
½ tsp cinnamon
→ Cut together until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over batter before baking.
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 13x18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugars in a large mixing bowl on medium speed until light and fluffy (3–5 minutes).
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate.
4. Mix in the bananas, vanilla, and buttermilk until combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
6. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined — do not overmix.
7. Fold in the toasted nuts with a spatula.
8. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the surface.
9. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
10. Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars for neat edges.
Tips for Best Results:
》Toast the nuts in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes before adding to enhance flavor.
》Very ripe bananas (heavily speckled) yield the richest banana flavor.
》Avoid over mixing after adding flour to keep the crumb tender.
》If you like a crunchier topping, increase streusel butter to ⅓ cup.