A simple way to use up over-ripened bananas – Black Bottom Banana Bars

SUBMITTED BY: Sheila

Next time you have too many over-ripe bananas, try this!

I get tired of banana bread when I have a whole lot of bananas to use up. I got this recipe years ago from the Share program, they have a nice newsletter they give you with your food and it usually contains recipes of the type of food you are getting. We love this recipe …

BLACK BOTTOM BANANA BARS
(actually, I think they are more like a cake)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 c. mashed ripe banana (2-3 whole bananas) mashed w/ a fork
• 1 c. sugar (I used 3/4 cup tonight and they look fine)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 c. flour
• 1/2 c butter or marjarine
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 TB Cocoa — I think carob would work ok here although I haven’t tried using carob

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar.
2. Add egg and vanilla. Beat until thoroughly combined.
3. Blend in the bananas.
4. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and the salt.
5. Add to the creamed mixture and mix well.
6. Divide batter in half.
7. Add cocoa to 1/2 of the batter and spread in a greased 13x9x2 baking pan.
8. Spoon remaining batter on top and swirl with a knife.
9. Bake at 350F for 25 minutes or until the bars test done.

They claimed this makes 2 dozen bars — I don’t get that. I get about 15. I plan to frost these and they will be my birthday cake. Sad when you have to make your own but it’s not worth the mess when my hubby cooks! I frost these with either white frosting or cocoa frosting. They freeze very well (unfrosted) and I have made a double batch w/no problems.

Enjoy!

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