Banana Bars

Banana Bars are a moist, cake-like baked treat, similar to a snack cake or blondie, made primarily with mashed ripe bananas, flour, sugar, and butter or oil. They often include warm spices like cinnamon and may feature add-ins such as walnuts, chocolate chips, or a simple cream cheese frosting. This dessert is a popular and comforting homemade staple in American home baking.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Banana Bars are typically high in carbohydrates and fats, especially if frosted or made with oil and sugar. They provide quick energy from carbs and some potassium from the bananas, but are generally a treat food with a rough calorie range of 200-350 per bar, depending on size and recipe.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	210 kcal
Protein	3 g
Carbs	32 g
Fat	8 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sugar	18 g
Sodium	150 mg
Potassium	180 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Calcium	40 mg
Magnesium	25 mg
Phosphorus	50 mg
Vitamin B6	0.2 mg
Vitamin C	3 mg
Manganese	0.3 mg

Per 1 bar (60 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Banana Bars are a classic example of 'make-do' baking, transforming overripe bananas—often destined for waste—into a beloved, comforting snack. Nutritionally, while they are a dessert, the bananas do contribute some dietary fiber and vitamins, making them a slightly more substantive treat than a plain sugar cookie.