Have over-ripe bananas on hand, and you think banana bread is your only option? Think again! I stumbled upon these bars about a year ago when I was slotted to bring treats to a meeting at work. I had planned to make banana bread, but realized last minute there was only one egg in the frig, and it was too late at night to beg another off a neighbor. So I went scrounging through my Better Homes & Gardens cookbook, circa 1996, hoping for divine inspiration. Inspiration did come, and my co-workers will tell you, it was divine.

OK, divine might be too strong a word. But the ratio of butter to bananas makes these bars moist and delicious, and once you try this recipe, you won’t bother with banana bread ever again. Seriously! These are also super easy to make. The batter stirs up in about 5-10 minutes, just long enough to preheat your oven. And if you’ve got the over-ripe bananas on hand, you’re in luck, because the rest of the ingredients are kitchen staples. (Note: I had to sub in slivered almonds for pecans in the bars pictured here, but I really prefer the pecans.)

My youngest son has found that these bars also work as currency at college. He’s used them to barter rides with friends. Who knew a silly little banana bar could wield so much power?

Makes 20 bars

3/4 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2-3 medium)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup Nestle semisweet chocolate chips
2/3 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Grease a 13″x18″ baking sheet with butter, and set aside. In a medium mixing bowl beat the butter with electric mixer on high until creamed. Add the granulated sugar, and cream. Add the brown sugar and cream again. Add baking powder and salt and cream, stirring down sides of mixing bowl. Beat until all ingredients are combined, and mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then add bananas and vanilla and beat again until combined. Gradually add flour and stir on low until it is all incorporated. Remove bowl from mixer stand and stir in chocolate chips and chopped nuts by hand.

Spread mixture in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Store in airtight container (…or bring to work and you won’t have to worry about storing them at all).