Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft yummy Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these banana bars deliver incredible flavor and texture. The moistness of ripe bananas combined with the rich cream cheese frosting makes them irresistibly delicious. Their versatility means they can be enjoyed at breakfast, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or dessert after dinner. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this trusted family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and creamy frosting creates a mouthwatering experience that will keep you coming back for more.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, birthday party, or just a cozy night at home, these banana bars fit right in.
• Great for Leftover Bananas: Avoid wasting overripe bananas by transforming them into these scrumptious bars.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit for extra flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment ensures that your Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting come out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: It makes creaming butter and sugar easier and quicker, ensuring a fluffy batter.
• Baking pan: The correct size is crucial for even baking and achieving the desired texture of your banana bars.

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 large eggs
• 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. Prepare a 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking pan by spraying it with non-stick spray. Set this aside for later use.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a stand mixer, combine:
1. Softened butter and granulated sugar. Cream together until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Mix together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed banana mixture. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Pour into Baking Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Bake

Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

For the frosting:
1. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract while beating until creamy. Adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar if desired.

Step 7: Frost & Serve

Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over your banana bars. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature! Enjoy this delightful treat!

How to Serve Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana bars with cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as an after-school snack, these bars can be paired with several delicious options.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Strawberries – The tartness of strawberries complements the sweetness of the banana bars perfectly.
• Blueberries – Add a handful of fresh blueberries for a burst of flavor and color on your plate.

As Dessert Sandwiches

• Ice Cream Sandwiches – Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two banana bars for a fun dessert twist.
• Whipped Cream Layer – Spread a layer of whipped cream between two bars for extra creaminess.

With Beverages

• Coffee – A warm cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the banana bars, making it an excellent pairing.
• Milkshake – Blend up a banana milkshake to enhance the banana flavor in your dessert.

How to Perfect Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Making perfect banana bars with cream cheese frosting is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use Ripe Bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
• Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure that butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined to keep your bars tender and moist.
• Check Doneness Early – Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off to avoid overbaking.
• Chill Your Frosting – If your frosting is too soft, chill it briefly so it’s easier to spread on top of the cooled bars.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

To complement your banana bars with cream cheese frosting, consider these tasty side dishes. They add variety and enhance your dessert experience.

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits enhances the sweetness of the bars.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a creamy contrast to the chewy texture of the bars.
3. Nutty Granola – Serve alongside a scoop of nutty granola for added crunch and flavor.
4. Chocolate Sauce – Drizzle chocolate sauce over your banana bars for an indulgent touch.
5. Caramel Drizzle – A light drizzle of caramel can take your dessert to the next level.
6. Cheese Platter – Pairing mild cheeses like brie or cheddar offers a savory balance to sweet flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Not using ripe bananas: Using under-ripe bananas will result in a less sweet flavor. Choose bananas that are heavily speckled or browned for the best taste.
• Skipping the cream cheese softening step: If the cream cheese isn’t softened, it won’t blend smoothly with the butter. Always let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make the bars tough. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and fluffy.
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Start checking for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking and drying out the bars.
• Not cooling completely before frosting: Frosting warm banana bars can cause it to melt and slide off. Make sure to cool your bars completely before adding the cream cheese frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store banana bars in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat a single bar on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, covering it with a lid to help retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits in these banana bars?

You can experiment with other fruits! Applesauce or pureed pumpkin can replace some of the bananas for a different flavor profile.

How do I make gluten-free Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

To make these bars gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

What is the best way to ripen bananas quickly?

If you need ripe bananas fast, place them in a brown paper bag at room temperature. This traps ethylene gas and speeds up ripening.

Can I freeze the cream cheese frosting?

Yes! You can freeze cream cheese frosting separately. Just store it in an airtight container and use it within three months.

How do I serve Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

These bars are delicious served cold or at room temperature. Cut into squares and enjoy as dessert or snack!

Final Thoughts

These Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only soft and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even spices like cinnamon. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful treat that will please everyone!

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Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delight of soft and moist Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these bars transform overripe bananas into a deliciously sweet treat that’s great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The enticing combination of ripe bananas and rich cream cheese frosting creates an irresistible flavor and texture that will impress your family and friends. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or simply craving something sweet, these banana bars are bound to become a favorite!

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Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
2. In a stand mixer, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by mashed bananas and vanilla; mix well.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet 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 to cool completely.
5. For the frosting, cream together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy.
6. Spread frosting over cooled banana bars, cut into squares, and enjoy!

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg