Are you ready to indulge in a delightful treat that perfectly marries the sweetness of ripe bananas with the burst of juicy blueberries? These Glazed Blueberry Banana Bars are not only a feast for the eyes but also a deliciously satisfying snack that will have your taste buds singing! Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option, a midday pick-me-up, or a sweet addition to your dessert table, these bars are the answer. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a mere 40 minutes of your time, you can whip up a batch that will impress your family and friends. Trust us, once you try these bars, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 bananas)
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and creamy using a fork or potato masher.
- Add sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps prevent lumps and ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough bars.
- Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth and drizzling consistency.
- Once the bars are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to set for 10-15 minutes before cutting into 16 bars.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Tips
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or even slightly brown for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough bars, so be gentle!
- Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal for this recipe, but if you only have frozen, don’t worry! Just toss them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter to prevent them from sinking.
- Glaze Variations: Get creative with your glaze! Add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost. You can also substitute the milk with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bars as they bake. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off to ensure they don’t overbake.
- Storage Tips: To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them and enjoy them cold or at room temperature.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These bars are great for meal prep! Make a batch on the weekend, and you’ll have a delicious snack ready to go for the week ahead.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg