Frosted Chocolate Banana Bars

Name: Frosted Chocolate Banana Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2-3 tbsp milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the rich and moist flavors of Frosted Chocolate Banana Bars, perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-03T10:22:28.683Z

Frosted Chocolate Banana Bars are a delicious way to use overripe bananas. The rich chocolate flavor combined with the natural sweetness of bananas makes these bars a perfect treat for any occasion.

        Why You'll Love These Bars
        Moist and fluffy texture with a rich chocolate flavor
Easy to make with simple ingredients
Perfect balance of sweetness with a creamy frosting
Great for sharing or enjoying as a personal treat

      

The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

Frosted Chocolate Banana Bars are not just a dessert; they are a delightful treat that fits perfectly into any occasion. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, a family gathering, or simply looking for a sweet snack to enjoy at home, these bars will impress your guests. Their rich chocolate flavor and moist texture make them an instant favorite, ensuring that they disappear quickly.

Additionally, these bars are an excellent way to use up overripe bananas. Instead of tossing them out, you can transform them into a delicious dessert that everyone will love. This versatility makes Frosted Chocolate Banana Bars not only tasty but also a great way to reduce food waste.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Frosted Chocolate Banana Bars, ensure that your bananas are ripe and well-mashed. The natural sweetness and moisture from ripe bananas elevate the flavor and texture of the bars. If you're unsure about the ripeness, look for bananas with brown spots, as this indicates they are perfect for baking.

When mixing your ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Stirring just until combined helps maintain the fluffy texture that makes these bars so delightful. Overmixing can lead to dense and heavy bars, so a gentle touch is key to achieving that perfect moist consistency.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your Frosted Chocolate Banana Bars have cooled and been frosted, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you wish to keep them fresh for longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for about a week. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

These bars can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. They also make for a fantastic lunchbox snack or a sweet addition to any brunch spread. With their rich chocolate flavor and creamy frosting, they are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

For the Bars

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

For the Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2-3 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting. For the frosting, beat together the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the cooled bars.

Let the frosting set before slicing into bars.

Variations to Try

While the classic recipe for Frosted Chocolate Banana Bars is undeniably delicious, feel free to get creative with variations. Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for an extra layer of flavor and texture. If you're a fan of peanut butter, swirling in some peanut butter before baking can create a delightful combination of chocolate and nutty goodness.

For a more decadent treat, you could also experiment with different frostings. A cream cheese frosting or a salted caramel drizzle can add a unique twist to the bars, making them even more irresistible.

Nutritional Benefits of Bananas

Bananas are not only tasty but also packed with numerous health benefits. They are an excellent source of potassium, which is essential for heart health and proper muscle function. Additionally, bananas contain vitamin C and dietary fiber, helping to support overall health and digestion.

Including bananas in your baking not only enhances flavor but also provides nutritional value. This makes Frosted Chocolate Banana Bars a somewhat guilt-free indulgence, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat while still benefiting from the goodness of fruit.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary.

→ How should I store these bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars without frosting for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs in this recipe.