Black-Bottom Banana Bars

There is one flavor that my whole family loves, and that's banana. In a family of 5, finding a food that everyone loves can be rare. Banana desserts are at the top of everyones list, so when the bananas start to turn I can be sure that what I make will be devoured! These Black-Bottom Banana Bars are deliciously moist and have a wonderful texture, somewhat lighter than banana bread. And, of course, the fact that the bottom half is chocolate is a huge plus! This recipe comes from an older Taste of Home magazine, but it is also on their website. I made no changes, other than I used 4 bananas instead of 3, and I didn't swirl the dough, but they taste the same either way. These bars are very addictive and will disappear quickly!

BLACK-BOTTOM BANANA BARS ( from Taste of Home)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups mashed bananas, 3-4
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp.baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup baking cocoa
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar and add the egg and vanilla; beat until combined. Mix in the mashed bananas. In another bowl, combine the flour, soda, baking powder and salt.Add to the banana mixture and mix well. Divide the batter in half and add the cocoa to 1 half of the batter. Spread the chocolate batter into a greased 9x13 inch pan. Spoon remaining batter on top and swirl with a knife, if desired. I just spread it out some. Bake in a preheated, 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes, or until the bars test done. Remove from oven and cool. These delicious bars get incredibly moist and are perfect for any banana lovers that you know. Enjoy!