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Homemade Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting photo

Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful blend of sweet and tangy, perfect for using up overripe bananas!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Banana Bars:
  • 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
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups confectioners’ sugar sifted

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Baking Pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and rise perfectly.
  2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal once the bars are baked.
  3. 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.
  4. Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
  6. Gently fold in the mashed bananas and chopped walnuts or pecans using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your bars tender.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.