Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft yummy banana bars topped with cream cheese frosting are the perfect dessert for any occasion! Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or simply a sweet treat at home, these banana bars with cream cheese frosting will delight everyone. Their moist texture and rich flavor make them irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to prepare, allowing you to whip them up in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and creamy frosting creates a delightful taste that everyone loves.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers.
• Versatile Dessert: Great for parties, picnics, or just as an everyday treat; these bars suit any occasion.
• Family Favorite: This recipe has been enjoyed by families for generations, making it a trusted classic.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of banana bars with cream cheese frosting, gather your tools. Having everything ready will help streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Baking pan: The right size ensures even baking and helps achieve the perfect texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for keeping dry and wet ingredients organized during preparation.

Ingredients

To make these delicious banana bars with cream cheese frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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 your baking pan by spraying it with non-stick spray. Set it aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a stand mixer, combine ½ cup softened butter and 2 cups granulated sugar. Mix until light and fluffy. Then beat in 3 large eggs, 3 medium ripe bananas, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed butter mixture. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

For the cream cheese frosting, use a mixing bowl to cream together ¼ cup softened butter and 4 ounces softened cream cheese. Gradually add in 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar and another 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat well until smooth. If you prefer a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar as needed.

Step 6: Frost the Bars

Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the banana bars using a spatula. Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious banana bars with cream cheese frosting!

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. Serve them at gatherings, parties, or simply as a sweet snack at home. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

For Breakfast

• Pair with coffee: Enjoy a slice of banana bar alongside a warm cup of coffee for a perfect morning boost.
• Add fresh fruit: Serve with sliced strawberries or blueberries for added freshness and color.

As a Snack

• Enjoy plain: These banana bars are delicious on their own, making them a great on-the-go snack.
• With nut butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on top for a protein-packed treat.

For Dessert

• Top with ice cream: Serve warm banana bars with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Drizzle chocolate sauce: A light drizzle of chocolate sauce adds extra sweetness and decadence.

For Parties

• Cut into bite-sized pieces: Make mini squares for easy serving at gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy more than one flavor.
• Garnish with nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.

How to Perfect Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting banana bars requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your bars turn out moist and flavorful every time.

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the bars light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense texture.
• Check doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow banana bars to cool fully before adding cream cheese frosting to prevent melting.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness and flavor.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add shredded coconut or chocolate chips into the batter for additional flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with banana bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options that complement the flavors perfectly.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the bars.
2. Greek Yogurt: Serve plain or flavored yogurt as a refreshing contrast to rich frosting.
3. Granola: Crunchy granola provides texture and can be sprinkled on top for extra flavor.
4. Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy pudding offers health benefits while pairing well with sweet treats like banana bars.
5. Coffee Cake Muffins: Another sweet treat that complements banana flavors; ideal for brunch spreads.
6. Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea can cleanse the palate between bites of rich banana goodness.
7. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses balances sweetness beautifully, creating an interesting flavor profile.
8. Caramel Sauce Dip: For those who love extra sweetness, serve caramel sauce as a dip on the side for added indulgence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your baking experience.

• Not Using Ripe Bananas: Ensure that your bananas are fully ripe. Overripe bananas provide the best flavor and moisture, enhancing the bars’ texture.
• Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use softened butter and cream cheese. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy frosting and uneven batter consistency.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough instead of soft and fluffy.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Allow the banana bars to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar. Too much or too little can affect the final outcome of your bars.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place bars on a non-stick pan over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are moist, sweet dessert bars made from ripe bananas and topped with a creamy frosting.

How can I customize my Banana Bars?

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon for extra flavor. Consider using whole-wheat flour for a healthier twist!

Can I make these Banana Bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

How do I ensure my cream cheese frosting is smooth?

Make sure both your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a creamy texture without lumps.

What should I serve with Banana Bars?

These banana bars pair well with coffee, tea, or even as part of a brunch spread.

Final Thoughts

Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With their moist texture and rich frosting, they are perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Try making these delightful treats today!

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Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of soft, moist Banana Bars topped with luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. These bars are perfect for every occasion, from family gatherings to casual afternoons at home. The combination of ripe bananas and creamy frosting results in a sweet treat that’s not only delicious but also easy to make. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can achieve impressive results that will impress family and friends alike. Customize your bars by adding nuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist, and enjoy these classic dessert bars that have stood the test of time!

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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
• ¼ cup softened butter (for frosting)
• 4 ounces softened cream cheese
• 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar

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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 fluffy. Add eggs, ripe bananas, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until fully combined.
4. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
6. For frosting, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy.
7. Spread frosting over cooled bars, cut into squares, and serve.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square (45g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 105mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg