Soft yummy banana bars topped with cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy! Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a sweet craving at home, these bars are perfect for any occasion. The moist texture of the banana bars combined with the creamy frosting creates an irresistible dessert that stands out in flavor and appeal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Deliciously Moist: The ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 20 servings per batch, these banana bars are ideal for gatherings, parties, or just treating your family.
- Customizable Frosting: You can easily adjust the cream cheese frosting by adding flavors like cocoa or citrus zest to suit your tastes.
- Versatile Dessert: Enjoy these bars as a dessert or even as a sweet breakfast option alongside your morning coffee.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your delicious banana bars with cream cheese frosting, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking pan (15 x 10 x 1 inch)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easier while achieving a smooth batter without tiring your arms.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients. Using multiple bowls helps keep dry and wet components separate until ready to mix.
- Baking pan (15 x 10 x 1 inch): The perfect size for evenly baking the banana bars without burning edges or undercooking the center.
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. Prepare your baking pan by spraying it with non-stick spray. Set it aside while you mix your ingredients.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until creamy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mash the ripe bananas and add them along with vanilla extract.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Pour Batter into Pan
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly using a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
Step 5: Bake
Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from oven and let it cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare Frosting
While waiting for the bars to cool, make your cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar along with vanilla extract while continuing to beat until well combined. Adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar if desired.
Step 7: Frost Your Bars
Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the banana bars using a spatula. Cut into squares for serving.
Enjoy these delightful banana bars with cream cheese frosting as a perfect ending to any meal or as an afternoon 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 for a family gathering or a casual afternoon snack, these bars are versatile and easy to serve.
As a Dessert Platter
- Arrange banana bars on a decorative platter alongside other desserts for an appealing display.
- Pair them with fresh berries or chocolate drizzle for added flavor.
With Coffee or Tea
- Serve warm banana bars with a cup of coffee or tea.
- The sweetness of the bars complements the bitterness of coffee beautifully.
At Parties
- Cut banana bars into small squares for easy sharing during parties.
- Offer them as bite-sized treats alongside other finger foods.
For Breakfast
- Enjoy banana bars as a quick breakfast option.
- They pair wonderfully with yogurt and fruit for a balanced meal.
With Ice Cream
- Top warm banana bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- This creates a delicious dessert that is extra indulgent.
How to Perfect Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
To achieve the best banana bars, follow these helpful tips that ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time.
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
- Don’t overmix: Mixing just until combined prevents tough bars; overmixing can lead to dense texture.
- Check oven temperature: An accurate oven temperature ensures even baking; use an oven thermometer if needed.
- Cool completely before frosting: Frosting warm bars can melt the cream cheese, ruining the texture.
- Adjust frosting thickness: If you want thicker frosting, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers covered in an airtight container to maintain freshness and moisture.
Best Side Dishes for Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Banana bars pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to balance the sweetness of the bars.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit to create a creamy side that complements the dessert well.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet treats provide a rich contrast and are always a favorite at gatherings.
- Coffee Cake: A slice of coffee cake makes an excellent pairing for breakfast or brunch alongside banana bars.
- Nut Mix: A crunchy nut mix offers texture and richness that contrasts nicely with the soft banana bars.
- Whipped Cream: Light whipped cream served on the side adds extra decadence without overpowering the flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making banana bars with cream cheese frosting, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Being aware of these can help ensure your bars turn out perfectly.
- Skipping Ripe Bananas – Using unripe bananas will result in a less sweet and flavorful bar. Always choose bananas that are well-ripened with brown spots for the best taste.
- Overmixing the Batter – Overmixing can lead to dense bars. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can affect cooking times and results. Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit as specified.
- Not Cooling Before Frosting – Frosting warm bars can cause the frosting to melt. Allow your banana bars to cool completely before applying the cream cheese frosting.
- Using Cold Ingredients – Starting with cold butter or cream cheese can make it hard to achieve a smooth frosting. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store banana bars in an airtight container.
- They will 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 or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven – Preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat one bar at a time for about 15-20 seconds on medium power until warm.
- Stovetop – Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes banana bars with cream cheese frosting so special?
Banana bars with cream cheese frosting are soft, moist, and packed with flavor. The creamy topping perfectly complements the sweetness of ripe bananas.
Can I substitute ingredients in banana bars with cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! You can use applesauce instead of butter for a healthier version or swap the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour if desired.
How do I know when my banana bars are done baking?
The banana bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them after the 25-minute mark!
Can I make banana bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare banana bars a day in advance or freeze them for longer storage. Just remember to frost them after they’ve cooled completely.
Final Thoughts
These banana bars with cream cheese frosting are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you serve them at a party or enjoy them as an afternoon snack, they are sure to please everyone. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor!
Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the delightful experience of banana bars topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. These soft, moist treats combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich, creamy topping, making them perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings and potlucks to cozy afternoons at home. Easy to make and customizable, these banana bars can be enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet breakfast accompaniment.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 15 x 10-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition; then stir in mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- To make frosting, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Once cooled, spread frosting over the banana bars and cut into squares for serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (60g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg