Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulging in the warm, comforting flavors of banana bars is a delightful way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your countertop. These Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, and they come together easily, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers. With a moist, flavorful cake layered with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends.
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What makes these Banana Bars truly special is their incredibly moist texture and the creamy, dreamy frosting that perfectly complements the rich banana flavor. The addition of walnuts or pecans adds a delightful crunch, making each bite a perfect blend of creamy and nutty. Plus, they are easy to make in just one bowl, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy these delicious treats!
Ingredient Checklist
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup mashed bananas (from about 2 medium bananas)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
Equipment & Tools
- Mixing bowls: For combining the ingredients.
- Whisk: To incorporate air into the batter.
- Spatula: For folding in the walnuts and bananas.
- Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan works best for these bars.
- Electric mixer: For making the cream cheese frosting.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient amounts.
Stepwise Method: Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and rise perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal once the bars are baked.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the mixture until it’s light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
Step 6: Fold in Bananas and Nuts
Gently fold in the mashed bananas and chopped walnuts or pecans using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your bars tender.
Step 7: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Bars
Once baked, allow the banana bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Step 10: Frost the Bars
Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Cut into squares and serve!
Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps
- Use vegan butter in place of unsalted butter.
- Substitute flax eggs for regular eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
- Replace sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
- Use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of granulated and brown sugars for a healthier option.
Errors to Dodge
- Using cold butter or eggs: This can lead to a dense texture. Always use room temperature ingredients.
- Overmixing the batter: This can make your bars tough. Mix just until combined.
- Not measuring flour properly: Too much flour can dry out the bars. Use the spoon and level method for accuracy.
- Skipping the cooling step: Frosting warm bars will cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
How to Store & Reheat
Store any leftover Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
Common Qs About Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mashing them. This will ensure that your bars don’t become too wet.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
You can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or even a whipped coconut cream for a lighter frosting option.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to keep the texture similar.
How can I make these bars sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter bar, consider adding an extra 1/4 cup of sugar to the batter or increasing the amount of confectioners’ sugar in the frosting.
Time to Try It
These Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavors and textures! Whether you bake them for a family gathering, a potluck, or just to enjoy at home, they are sure to become a favorite. The combination of sweet, ripe bananas and tangy cream cheese frosting creates a delightful dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking! You won’t regret making these scrumptious banana bars that are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite!
Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and rise perfectly.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal once the bars are baked.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the mixture until it’s light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas and chopped walnuts or pecans using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your bars tender.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the banana bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Cut into squares and serve!
Notes
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For longer storage, freeze for up to three months and thaw in the fridge before serving.
- If you prefer warm bars, microwave them for a few seconds before enjoying.
