Banana Orange Bars

Name: Banana Orange Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 20 servings.
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (3 to 4 medium); 1-2/3 cups sugar; 1 cup canola oil; 4 large eggs; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; ORANGE BUTTER FROSTING:; 5 tablespoons butter, softened; 4-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar; 5 tablespoons orange juice; 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest

I have been making these treats for many years. I no longer remember where the recipe came from, but one thing is certain - the bars are always a hit at family get-togethers and parties. The secret to tasty banana desserts is the ripeness of the bananas - the riper, the better.

Ingredients

2 cups mashed ripe bananas (3 to 4 medium)
1-2/3 cups sugar
1 cup canola oil
4 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
ORANGE BUTTER FROSTING:
5 tablespoons butter, softened
4-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
5 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest

Directions

In a large bowl, beat the bananas, sugar, oil and eggs until well blended. In a small bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt and baking soda; gradually beat into banana mixture until blended.
Pour into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
For frosting, cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in orange juice and zest until smooth; spread evenly over cake.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 374 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.

Reviews

Click stars to rate

Average Rating:

shecooksalot

Jan 8, 2013

Made these and they were a hit! I actually substituted equivalent coconut oil for the canola and only used 4 cups of powdered sugar for the frosting (because I ran out!) and they turned out great! Will be making these again soon!
LauraM-J

Mar 2, 2012

These are wonderful! I followed the recipe and they looked like the photo and are delicious! I wasn't sure about the banana/orange combination but the orange flavor inthe frosting was light and just enough to complement the banana cake. And, oh, the cake - love the texture and the cinnamon is perfect.
Beckster19

Jul 17, 2011

Okay, I didn't get as far as making the frosting, but the cake by itself is wonderful! I didn't have the right size pan, so I baked the batter in a 9x13 for about 40 minutes and it was simply delicious. Even my husband (who doesn't care for bananas much) agreed this was a keeper. And, a great way to eat it is a la mode with butter pecan ice cream. Mm-mmm!
smmoreno

May 21, 2011

Easy and delicious! Everyone loved them!
mm-mm

Apr 1, 2011

Simply wonderful. The banana flavor came through real well. The only thing I did different is add 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract as I am a stickler for this ingredient in every baked bar/cookie I make. This makes a big batch, but they went fast. I highly recommend it.