How We Handle Snack at Co-Op
Sometimes the best recipes happen in a pinch.
My husband makes the most delicious gooey butter cake — the kind that starts with a yellow cake mix and somehow disappears from the pan before it’s cooled. The only two problems? There’s always a little bit of mix left over AND only a small portion of the family can enjoy the deliciousness.
Instead of tossing the leftover mix, I asked him to save the leftovers. And I’m so glad I did.
This morning I was trying to think of a snack for our homeschool co-op. We bring our own so we can stick with higher-quality ingredients that don’t bother the boys’ bodies. I typically bring something sweet because that is what is usually the offering in at least one of the boys’ classrooms. I remembered the leftover yellow cake mix sitting in the pantry and thought, why not? A couple of bananas on the counter were begging to be used, and before I knew it, these Banana Cake Bars were born.
They turned out perfectly — soft, sweet, just enough chocolate, and totally dairy-free. My kids devoured them, and I may have “tested” one or two myself (for quality control, of course).
🍌 Ingredients
320–340 g yellow cake mix (I used King Arthur Gluten-Free Yellow Cake Mix)
200–220 g ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium), mashed
60 mL (¼ cup) organic avocado oil (Azure Standard)
2 organic free-range eggs
½ tsp cinnamon (optional add in)
60 g Azure Chocolate Chips (or any dairy-free chocolate chips)
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
🥣 Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and oil or line an 8x8" baking dish.
Mash the bananas until smooth in a mixing bowl.
Add the eggs, oil, and vanilla; whisk until well combined.
Stir in the cake mix and optional cinnamon until a smooth batter forms.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Spread into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center springs back lightly to the touch.
Cool before slicing (if you can wait that long!).
✨ Notes
These bars store well at room temperature for 1–2 days or in the fridge for up to 5.
They freeze beautifully — perfect for co-op days or quick treat.
Swap the chocolate chips for walnuts, blueberries, or coconut for a different twist.
Sometimes a little leftover mix and a couple of ripe bananas are all it takes to make something special. These Banana Cake Bars are a reminder that bringing our own food can still feel fun and special — simple, wholesome, and made with love. ❤️
Fresh out of the oven! These Banana Cake Bars turned out perfectly soft, lightly sweet, and totally dairy-free — the best use for a bit of leftover yellow cake mix.
