If you have a craving for something delectably moist, richly flavorful, and topped with a luscious frosting, then you’re in for a real treat with this Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These bars combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a tender crumb, all crowned by a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting that’s nothing short of dreamy. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dessert, a stunning treat for a get-together, or just a satisfying snack, these bars hit every note perfectly and will soon become one of your go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these banana bars truly shine. Each component plays a key role, from adding moisture and fluffiness to enhancing flavor and balancing sweetness.
- ½ cup butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender crumb to the bars.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter evenly and helps with browning.
- 2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding structure.
- ½ cup sour cream, room temperature: Adds moisture and a slight tang, for a soft texture.
- ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature: Enhances the fluffiness and helps activate the baking soda.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth to the batter.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the bars their hearty yet tender framework.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the bars for a perfect rise.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 4 medium overripe bananas, mashed: Deliver natural sweetness and intense banana flavor.
- ½ cup butter, softened (for frosting): Adds creaminess and richness to the frosting.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The star of the frosting, giving it tang and silky smoothness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting): Elevates the frosting’s flavor with a mellow warmth.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreading consistency.
How to Make Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the sour cream, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures the leavening is evenly distributed, which is essential for the perfect texture. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently to combine without overmixing.
Step 3: Add the Bananas
Fold the mashed overripe bananas into the batter. These bananas bring a natural sweetness and moisture, enhancing the soft crumb of the bars. Be sure to mix just until the bananas are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bars are cooling, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
Step 6: Frost and Serve
Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into 24 generous squares and you’re ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort dessert!
How to Serve Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these bars, consider sprinkling chopped walnuts or toasted pecans over the frosting. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can also add a lovely finishing touch that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. A hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk complements the richness perfectly and rounds out an inviting snack or dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, cut the bars into smaller bite-sized squares and place on a decorative tray with fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. You can also serve them in pretty cupcake liners for easy, mess-free handling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover banana bars covered tightly in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. They will stay moist and tasty for up to 4 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to preserve them longer, these banana bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars or the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in the freezer. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
For a freshly baked taste, warm the bars slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will soften the frosting just enough to make every bite dreamy. Avoid overheating, as it can cause the cream cheese frosting to melt too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great as long as you thaw and mash them well to remove excess liquid for the best texture in your bars.
Is it necessary to use both sour cream and buttermilk?
Using both adds extra moisture and a slight tang which enhances flavor and tenderness, but if you only have one, you can substitute with a similar quantity for a slightly different but still delicious result.
How do I know when the banana bars are done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bars are perfectly baked and ready to cool before frosting.
Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?
Yes! You can whip up the frosting a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature and give it a quick stir before spreading it on the bars.
Will these bars work without the frosting?
They sure will! The bars are moist and flavorful on their own, but the cream cheese frosting is what makes this Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe truly special and indulgent.
Final Thoughts
These Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe are one of those magical treats that strike the perfect balance between simple homey flavor and a touch of luxurious indulgence. Once you make them, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection to share with loved ones or simply enjoy yourself. Go ahead and try making these banana bars soon — your taste buds will be thanking you!
Print
Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Banana Bars topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly balanced with ripe bananas and a hint of vanilla, these bars offer a sweet, tender crumb paired with a smooth, tangy frosting that is sure to satisfy your dessert cravings.
Ingredients
Batter
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
- ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 medium overripe bananas, mashed
Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Fold in the mashed bananas, ensuring an even distribution throughout the batter.
- Bake the Bars: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost the Bars: Once the banana bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Cut into 24 equal bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are overripe for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Room temperature ingredients help achieve a smoother batter and frosting.
- If desired, add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture.
- Bars can be stored refrigerated for up to 5 days and taste great chilled or at room temperature.
