Condensed Milk Banana Bread Bars

Condensed Milk Banana Bread Bars are like banana bread in bar form! They are moist, tender squares that come together in one bowl. They have sweetened condensed milk in them that helps keep them soft for days. So good!

These bars are baked in an 8×8 square pan, as oppose to your typical 9×5 loaf pan. They are the best way to use up any leftover bananas you may have laying on your countertop!

I enjoy these bars for breakfast with a hot cup of coffee, dessert, and even a little mid-day snack as a pick me up. They are so rich and delicious!

For more banana recipes, try Double Chocolate Banana Bread Cookies, Banana Brownies, and 4 Ingredient Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies. 

Why this recipe works

Banana bars – These bars are incredibly moist and soft thanks to the condensed milk!

Ripe bananas – Use up any leftover bananas you have laying around!

Twist on banana bread – These bars are full of banana flavour and are a great twist on the classic banana bread!

Easy – One bowl, no mixer required!

Ingredients Notes

Bananas – Ripe bananas provide a hint of banana flavour and great moisture. Fresh or frozen work. I used frozen bananas. When thawing bananas from frozen, make sure to drain any excess liquid that forms before mashing. If you don't, it'll make your batter runnier and affect the overall bake.

Condensed Milk - Make sure you're using sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk.

Chocolate – I used semi-sweet chocolate chips but a chopped up milk chocolate bar or any other chocolate chip works too. You can also leave them out completely.

Eggs – Remove 2 hours before baking.

Step by step instructions

Here is how to make and bake these condensed milk banana bread bars. You will need an 8×8 square pan lined with parchment paper, a large mixing bowl, a spatula, and a whisk.

Step 1 – Prep. Grease the pan. For easy removal of the brownies, place parchment paper on the bottom and 2 sides of the pan. Grease again and then set aside.

Step 2 – Mash the bananas. Using a fork, mash the bananas. Add into a large bowl.

Step 3 – Add wet ingredients. Add in the white sugar, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, oil, and vanilla.

Step 4 – Add dry ingredients. Toss in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Using a spatula, gently fold in until no dry streaks appear. Mix in the chocolate chips.

Step 5 – Transfer and bake. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Add extra chocolate chips on top if desired. 

Bake the bars for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with crumbs and not wet batter. 

Allow the bars to cool, slice, and enjoy!

Expert Baking Tips

Here are a few baking tips from my kitchen to yours!

• Measure the flour accurately. Spoon it – don’t directly put the measuring cup into the bag of flour. Use a gram scale for the most accurate measurements.
• Make sure the bananas add up to 1 1/4 cups! Every banana is a different size and this will affect the texture of the bars.
• If you want those gooey pockets of chocolate, use a chopped up chocolate bar.
• Make sure you don’t over-bake. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out with crumbs on it. If you hit a pocket of chocolate while doing this, there will be melted chocolate on the toothpick too.

FAQ

Why do I have to add cornstarch?

Cornstarch is a thickening agent, and when added into the batter it absorbs any excess water the batter may have and thickens the mixture!

Essentially, banana bread in general can become dense really quickly because of excess moisture in the ingredients, so cornstarch helps prevent this.

Can I use another type of oil?

Yes feel free to use any flavourless oil. Keep in mind that if you use an oil with flavour (ie - coconut oil), it will change the overall flavour of the bars!

Do I have to add condensed milk?

Yes. This recipe's main ingredient is sweetened condensed milk. If you don't have it and still want to make a banana-based bars, check out these Chocolate Banana Brownies or Banana Blondies.

Storing & Freezing

The bars will keep fresh on the counter for up to 4 days at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

You can also freeze these chocolate banana brownies. To freeze, cool the bars completely. Unsliced, wrap the entire square in plastic wrap or place into a ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. 

When ready to eat, remove from freezer to defrost 1 hour prior to slicing.

Check out these recipes

PS : If you enjoyed this recipe, please make sure to leave a STAR REVIEW down below! I'd love to stay connected on Instagram @taffeybakery! To get more recipes follow me on TikTok @taffeybakery!