Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you’re a fan of banana-flavored desserts, then these banana bars with cream cheese frosting are about to become your new obsession. Combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the richness of a decadent cream cheese topping, this recipe delivers a heavenly treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
What sets these banana bars apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The moist, cake-like bars provide a sturdy foundation, while the creamy frosting adds a tantalizing contrast in both taste and mouthfeel. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert, a snack, or even for breakfast, these versatile bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
Beyond the irresistible flavor, there’s a lot to love about this banana bar recipe. For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. The preparation process is straightforward, making these bars a great option for bakers of all skill levels.
Another appealing aspect is the recipe’s adaptability. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit various dietary needs, such as creating a reduced-fat version or a dairy-free alternative. Plus, the bars can be made ahead of time and stored for later, ensuring you can satisfy your cravings whenever the mood strikes.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting ❓
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The beauty of this banana bar recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of ripe bananas, cream cheese, and classic baking essentials creates the irresistible flavor profile that has made banana-based desserts perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and mashed bananas until well combined.
• Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
• Step 5: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 40-45 minutes
Compared to traditional banana bread, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this banana bar recipe saves you 20% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 24 servings):
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 180mg
These banana bars provide approximately 15% of your daily carbohydrate requirements and 20% of your daily fat needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace half the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour, and use a low-calorie sweetener instead of granulated sugar.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative and vegan butter or coconut oil in the frosting.
• Added protein: Mix in 1/4 cup of protein powder or unflavored collagen powder to the batter.
• Boost vegetables: Fold in 1/2 cup of grated carrots or zucchini to the batter for added moisture and nutrients.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the banana bars.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the banana bars with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy, afternoon snack.
• Complement the bars with a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad for a more balanced dessert or brunch offering.
• For a potluck or party, create an assortment platter with the banana bars, along with other bite-sized sweets like brownies or lemon bars.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Overbaking the bars: Keep a close eye on the bars during the final minutes of baking to prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly.
• Failing to let the bars cool completely: Attempting to frost the bars before they’ve cooled can cause the frosting to melt and become a mess.
• Using overripe bananas: While very ripe bananas are ideal for flavor, extremely brown or mushy bananas can make the bars too dense and heavy.
• Skipping the chilling step for the frosting: Properly chilling the cream cheese frosting is crucial for achieving the right texture and consistency.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These banana bars with cream cheese frosting retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the batter as directed, spread it into the baking pan, and freeze the unbaked bars for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked and cooled bars to freeze individually on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
• Reheating: For a warm, freshly-baked taste, simply reheat the bars in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the banana bars ahead of time?
Yes, these banana bars can be made ahead of time. You can bake the bars, let them cool completely, and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store the unfrosted bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the bars (if frozen) and prepare the cream cheese frosting.
Can I substitute other types of nuts or nut butters for the cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! You can get creative with the frosting by swapping out the cream cheese for nut butters like peanut, almond, or hazelnut butter. This will give the frosting a different flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the banana bars. Just be sure to adjust the powdered sugar amount to achieve the desired consistency.
Are these banana bars gluten-free or dairy-free?
The standard recipe is not gluten-free or dairy-free, as it contains all-purpose flour and regular cream cheese. However, you can easily adapt the recipe to accommodate these dietary restrictions. For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free option, use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative and vegan butter or coconut oil in the frosting.
Why are my banana bars dry or crumbly?
If your banana bars turn out dry or crumbly, it’s likely due to overbaking or using overly ripe bananas. Make sure to keep a close eye on the bars during the final minutes of baking and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Additionally, use bananas that are ripe but still firm, as very soft, overripe bananas can throw off the moisture balance in the recipe.
Can I add mix-ins or toppings to the banana bars?
Absolutely! These banana bars are highly versatile and lend themselves well to a variety of mix-ins and toppings. Some delicious additions could include chopped nuts, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also drizzle the frosted bars with caramel or a chocolate glaze for an extra indulgent touch.
Conclusion
These banana bars with cream cheese frosting represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a decadent dessert, a satisfying snack, or even a special breakfast treat, they’re sure to impress with their moist, cake-like texture and rich, creamy topping.
The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these banana bars demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the baking process.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ripe bananas and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible treats. Your family and friends are sure to love them as much as you do!
Print
Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
• Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and mashed bananas until well combined.
• Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
• Step 5: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
