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.

Originally published as Banana Orange Bars in Country Extra September 1994

Reviews

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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.