What To Do With Those Brown Over-ripe Bananas - More than Just Banana Bread

Banana Cake

1/2 cup hard margarine or butter, softened
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups all purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups mashed banana (about 3 medium)

Cream margarine, sugar, eggs and vanilla together in large bowl until light and fluffy.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in medium bowl.

Add flour mixture to margarine mixture in 3 additions, alternating with banana in 2 additions, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat on low until batter is smooth. Turn into 2 greased 8 inch round pans. Bake in 350F oven for 25 minutes until wooden pick inserted in centre comes out clean. Cool in pans for 5 minutes before turning out onto wire racks to cool. Makes one two layer cake.

Banana Muffins: Prepare banana cake batter above. Fill mufin cups 3/4 full. Bake in 350F oven for 15-17 minutes until wooden pick inserted in centre of muffin comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool. Make 2 dozen muffins.

Side Note: I usually add pecans or walnuts to the recipe for added flavour (about 1/2 - cup).

Banana Oat Squares

6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
3/4 cup mashed banana (1 1/2 medium)
1/4 tsp. salt

2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Beat butter and brown sugar in medium bowl. Add egg. Beat well. Add banana and salt. Beat well.

Add rolled oats and walnuts. Stir until well combined. Spread evenly in greased 8x8 inch pan. Bake at 350F oven for 55 minutes until wooden pick inserted in centre comes out clean. Let stand in pan on wie rack until cool. Cut into squares.

Side Note: When I made this recipe I baked it for 55 minutes. I think I will check it earlier the next time I make it at around 45 -50 minutes to see if its done then.

Note: Added August 29th, 2011 - A friend of mine decided to double this recipe and substitute peanut butter for the walnuts. She used 1/2 cup peanut butter so if you want to make a single batch only use a 1/4 cup peanut butter. She said that it was really good.
Banana Raisin Bars

3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup raisins
1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup unsalted peanuts, chopped
1/2 cup unsalted, roasted sunflower seeds

1 large egg
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/3 cup mashed banana (about 1 small)
3 tablespoons corn syrup
3 tablespoons liquid honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine the first five ingredients in large bowl.

Beat remaining six ingredients in small bowl until light and creamy. Add to oat mixture. Stir well. Press firmly in greased 9x13 pan. Bake in 325F oven for about 50 minutes until firm and golden brown. Let stand in pan on wire rack until cool. Cut into bars.

Nutty Fruit Bars

2 medium bananas, mashed
3 tablespoons peanut butter

3/4 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1/4 cup dried apricot
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Combine banana and peanut butter in large bowl.

Add remaining 4 ingredients. Stir well. Divide mixture into 6 equal portions. Roll portions into 4 inch long logs. Press logs down to 1/2 inch thickness. Arrange on greased baking sheet. Bake in 350F oven for 20 minutes until edges are golden brown. Let stand on pan on wire rack until cook. Makes 6 bars.