Description
A sturdy, room-temperature stable dessert bar that captures the nostalgia of a classic banana split without the mess or melting issues. Perfect for summer parties, picnics, and tailgates.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup (85g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (for drizzle)
- Maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides, and grease lightly.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Press the crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Whisk in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until well combined.
- Pour the banana mixture over the warm crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20 minutes until the banana layer is set and lightly golden on top. Let cool completely in the pan.
- Once cool, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars in a zigzag pattern.
- Top with drained maraschino cherries and optional whipped cream or crushed nuts.
- Slice into 12-16 squares and serve.
Notes
Use heavily spotted ripe bananas for best sweetness and texture. Do not skip the cornstarch as it prevents the banana layer from becoming watery. Cool the bars completely before slicing to ensure they hold their shape. For neat slices, wipe the knife clean between cuts or dip in hot water.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: banana split, dessert bars, labor day dessert, summer party treats, easy dessert, make-ahead dessert, banana bars