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Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.1 from 15 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Description

Deliciously moist and flavorful banana bars topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-make recipe combines ripe bananas, a tender crumb, and a luscious frosting perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.

Ingredients

Banana Bars

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
  • 1½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened, 1 block-style package)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups confectioner’s sugar (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan that is at least 1 inch deep and set aside to prepare for baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening.
  5. Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
  6. Spread Batter: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared pan. To level the surface, gently tap the pan on the counter several times.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top turns golden brown.
  8. Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the banana bars to cool completely on a wire rack while still in the pan.
  9. Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and salt, beating until incorporated.
  10. Add Confectioner’s Sugar: Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar while beating continuously until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Adjust the sugar amount to your preferred sweetness and consistency. If desired, mix in the optional ground cinnamon.
  11. Frost Bars: Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For easier spreading, slightly warm the frosting in the microwave for a few seconds.
  12. Serve and Store: Cut the frosted banana bars into squares or rectangles. Optionally garnish with sliced bananas or chopped nuts. Serve and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moistness.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and soft.
  • Slightly warming the frosting before spreading helps make it easier to spread evenly.
  • Optional garnishes like sliced bananas or nuts add extra texture and flavor.
  • Store leftover bars refrigerated to maintain freshness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/banana-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/