I hate to waste food. I really do try to buy only what we are going to need or eat because it makes me sick to throw away good produce. I also love to bake. This recipe for Black Bottom Banana Bars (or Chocolate Banana Bars, whatever you prefer) allows me to use my over-ripe bananas while making a delicious dessert.

Black Bottom Banana Bars Recipe

½ c butter (1 stick), softened
1 c granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ c mashed ripe bananas (3 to 4 medium bananas)
1 ½ c all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
¼ c baking cocoa

Grease a 13 x 9 x 2 baking pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg and vanilla and mix well. Blend in the mashed bananas. Add the dry ingredients (except the cocoa) and stir until just mixed. Divide the batter in half and add the baking cocoa to half the batter. Spread the chocolate batter into the bottom of your baking pan. Spoon the remaining batter on top and swirl with a spatula or knife. Bake for 25 minutes or until the bars test done.

This is an easy and delicious recipe for black bottom banana bars that my family loves.