Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft yummy banana bars topped with cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat that everyone loves. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just a cozy family gathering, these bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of ripe bananas and creamy frosting makes them stand out from other desserts. With each bite, you’ll experience the moist texture and rich flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Moist: The ripe bananas ensure that these bars are soft and tender, making them irresistibly good.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Dessert: Whether served as a snack or a dessert after dinner, these banana bars fit well for any occasion.
• Family Favorite: This recipe has been tried and tested in many homes, making it a trusted choice for gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The sweet cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the banana flavor, creating a unique taste experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools and equipment. Having everything at hand will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Baking pan (15 x 10 x 1 inch)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar easy and ensures a well-mixed batter without much effort.
• Baking pan: A sturdy baking pan ensures even baking, giving you perfectly shaped bars every time.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of bowls, ensuring no ingredients go to waste.

Ingredients

Soft yummy banana bars topped with cream cheese frosting! A trusted family favorite!

For the Banana Bars

• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 eggs (large)
• 3 medium ripe bananas
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Salt (pinch)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• ¼ cup butter (softened)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking pan with non-stick spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Mix until just combined.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool completely before adding frosting.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

For the cream cheese frosting, beat together softened butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar along with vanilla extract while mixing until fully incorporated. If you prefer thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once your banana bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve fresh! Enjoy your delicious banana bars with cream cheese frosting!

How to Serve Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana bars with cream cheese frosting are delightful and versatile. They can be presented in various ways to enhance your dessert experience. Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy these tasty treats.

For a Classic Dessert Experience

• Serve warm: Warm banana bars right out of the oven make for a comforting dessert.
• Pair with coffee: These bars complement a cup of coffee beautifully, making for a perfect afternoon snack.

For Special Occasions

• Decorate with nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added texture and flavor.
• Serve with fresh fruit: Accompany the bars with sliced strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing touch.

For Kid-Friendly Options

• Cut into fun shapes: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for kids’ parties.
• Top with sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on the frosting to make them more appealing to children.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Enjoy with yogurt: Serve banana bars alongside a bowl of yogurt for a hearty breakfast option.
• Pair with smoothies: These bars can be a great addition to any smoothie breakfast spread.

How to Perfect Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting your banana bars is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Use ripe bananas: Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, enhancing the flavor.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the bars tender and soft.
• Check baking time: Always use a toothpick to check if they are done—remove when it comes out clean.
• Cool completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before adding frosting to prevent it from melting off.
• Adjust frosting thickness: If you prefer thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar gradually until desired consistency is reached.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana bars pair wonderfully with various side dishes, making them even more delightful. Here are some great options to serve alongside them.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess that complements the banana flavors.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings freshness and balances the sweetness of the bars.
3. Whipped Cream: Light whipped cream on top enhances the richness of the dessert.
4. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle chocolate sauce over the bars for an indulgent twist.
5. Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage like coffee or tea pairs well, enhancing your dessert experience.
6. Nut Mix: A simple mix of nuts provides crunch and contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture.

• Using unripe bananas: Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor. Unripe bananas can yield a firmer texture and less sweetness.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and fluffy.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing your banana bars to cool completely before frosting is crucial. Frosting warm bars will cause the cream cheese frosting to melt and slide off.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar. Too much or too little can alter the texture of your banana bars.
• Neglecting pan preparation: Always spray your baking pan properly. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your delicious banana bars.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• Frozen banana bars can be kept for up to 3 months.

Reheating Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat a single bar on medium power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen bananas for Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well in this recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing.

How do I know when my banana bars are done?

The banana bars are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Can I customize the cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! You can add flavors like lemon zest or cocoa powder for different variations of cream cheese frosting.

What is the best way to serve Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Serve them chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with sliced bananas or chopped nuts for added flavor and presentation.

How long do Banana Bars stay fresh?

When stored properly, they remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that combines moistness from ripe bananas and creamy sweetness from the frosting. They are perfect for gatherings or as an everyday dessert. Feel free to customize your bars by adding nuts or chocolate chips, making them versatile for any occasion. Enjoy baking these delicious treats!

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Soft Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 24 squares 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of our Soft Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. These moist and flavorful bars are made with ripe bananas for a naturally sweet taste, perfectly complemented by a rich and creamy frosting. Ideal for birthdays, potlucks, or simply a cozy family treat, these bars are not just easy to make—they’re utterly satisfying. Each bite is a soft, tender morsel that leaves you craving more. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a snack, they’re sure to be a hit among family and friends.

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Ingredients

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• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 3 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ cup butter (softened)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a baking pan (15 x 10 x 1 inch) with non-stick spray.
2. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar in a stand mixer until fluffy. Add eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla; mix well.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the banana mixture until just combined.
4. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cooling completely.
5. For the frosting, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until desired consistency is reached.
6. Spread frosting evenly on cooled bars, cut into squares, and serve.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square (45g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg