Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
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Today’s recipe for Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is one I have been making for decades. It is one of those tried-and-true family favorites that shows up again and again at gatherings because everyone always enjoys it. It is also one of my favorite ways to use up those brown bananas sitting on the counter when they are just a little too ripe for eating plain.
These bars are soft, moist, and full of just the right amount of banana flavor. They have a tender, cake-like texture that makes them perfect for serving a crowd. The cream cheese frosting is the finishing touch that really makes them special. It adds a creamy sweetness with a slight tang that pairs so well with the banana bars and takes them from simple to completely irresistible.
Ingredients for Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- BUTTER
- SUGAR
- LARGE EGGS
- SOUR CREAM
- VANILLA
- ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
- BAKING SODA
- SALT
- RIPE BANANAS
- CREAM CHEESE
- CONFECTIONERS’ SUGAR
Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar with a hand mixer for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla, then mix until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing just until combined. Gently stir in the mashed bananas until they are evenly incorporated into the batter.
Spread the batter into a greased jelly roll pan and smooth it into an even layer. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake. Once done, let the bars cool completely before frosting.
To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla together in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add enough powdered sugar to reach your desired consistency. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Store the frosted bars in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Yes. Very ripe bananas are actually best because they are sweeter, softer, and add more banana flavor to the bars.
How do I know when the banana bars are done baking?
They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake them so they stay soft and moist.
Do I have to use cream cheese frosting?
No, but it pairs really well with the banana bars. If you prefer, you could use a simple vanilla frosting or even leave them plain.
Can I make these banana bars ahead of time?
Yes. These bars work well made ahead, especially since they need to cool completely before frosting.
Do the bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Because of the cream cheese frosting, they should be stored in the fridge.
Can I freeze banana bars?
Yes. You can freeze them frosted or unfrosted, though many people prefer to put them unfrosted in the freezer and add the frosting later for the best texture.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The bananas should be very ripe with plenty of brown spots. Those are the best for flavor and texture in baking.
Can I add nuts to the bars?
Yes. Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition if your family likes nuts.
Why mix the butter and sugar for so long?
Creaming the butter and sugar for 5 to 7 minutes helps make the bars lighter and gives them a soft texture.
Can I make the frosting thicker or thinner?
Yes. Just adjust the amount of powdered sugar until it reaches the consistency you like.
Tips and Tricks
- Do not overmix once the flour is added. Mix just until combined so the bars stay soft and tender.
- Do not overbake. Check the bars near the lower end of the baking time so they stay moist.
- Cool completely before frosting. If the bars are still warm, the cream cheese frosting will melt and become too soft.
- Use softened cream cheese and butter for the frosting. This helps the frosting blend smoothly without lumps.
- Adjust the frosting to your liking. Add more powdered sugar for a thicker frosting or a little less for a softer, creamier texture.
- Store them chilled. Because of the cream cheese frosting, these bars are best kept in the refrigerator.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature, if possible
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 medium ripe bananas mashed (about 1 cup)
Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup butter softened
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 ¾ to 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- In a large bowl, add the 1/2 cup butter and sugar. Mix together with a hand mixer for 5-7 minutes until light and fluffy. Add eggs, sour cream and vanilla. Mix to combine
- In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda and salt. Gradually add that to the creamed butter mixture to combine. Stir in bananas.
- Spread into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking sheet. Bake for 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (do not overbake). Cool completely.
- For frosting, in a large bowl, add the cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Beat until fluffy. Gradually beat in enough of the confectioners’ sugar to reach desired consistency. Frost bars. Store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Taste of Home.
