If you’re looking for a treat that perfectly balances moist, tender banana goodness with rich, tangy sweetness, the Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These bars bring together the warmth of overripe bananas and the luscious cream cheese frosting in a way that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply craving a homemade dessert, this recipe delivers bars that are soft, flavorful, and decadently topped with the smoothest cream cheese frosting you’ve ever tasted.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that perfect texture and flavor. From the buttery richness to the tangy sour cream and buttermilk, every item adds a layer of deliciousness that makes these banana bars unbeatable.
- ½ cup butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture so the bars are tender, not dry.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right without overpowering the banana flavor.
- 2 eggs: Helps bind everything together while adding structure.
- ½ cup sour cream (room temperature): Adds moisture and a subtle tang that brightens the flavor.
- ½ cup buttermilk (room temperature): Keeps the bars extra moist and tender with its slight acidity.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds warmth to the batter.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the bars their hearty, soft crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the batter so it rises beautifully and stays light.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the banana flavor.
- 4 medium overripe bananas, mashed: The star ingredient that gives these bars their signature banana flavor and moist texture.
- ½ cup butter (softened, for frosting): Creates a creamy, luscious frosting base.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Adds that classic tangy richness everyone loves in cream cheese frosting.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting): Brings a sweet aroma that pairs perfectly with banana.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right consistency.
How to Make Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Batter
Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar until they’re light and fluffy—this step is key for a tender texture. Then add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mixing in the sour cream, buttermilk, and vanilla extract next helps keep the batter moist and flavorful.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Bananas
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid tough bars. Fold in the mashed bananas, which will infuse the batter with natural sweetness and a lovely moistness.
Step 3: Bake the Bars
Spread the batter evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your bars cool, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add the vanilla extract, then gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fluffy and easy to spread. This frosting is light yet indulgent, making every bite a dream.
Step 5: Frost and Serve
Once the banana bars are fully cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. For clean slices, refrigerate the frosted bars for about 15 minutes to set the frosting before cutting into squares. Enjoy your perfectly balanced Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe fresh and delicious!
How to Serve Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a touch of garnish is a fantastic way to take these bars to the next level. Toasted chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch and nutty aroma. For extra color and freshness, try a few thin banana slices or even some dried coconut flakes. These little touches make each serving feel extra special.
Side Dishes
These banana bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them an excellent choice for breakfast or an afternoon treat. If you’re serving them as dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side can turn the experience into a truly indulgent moment.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider serving your Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe on a pretty cake stand or platter lined with banana leaves for a tropical touch. You can also cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on decorative toothpicks as easy party finger food. Layering them in a glass trifle dish with whipped cream and fresh banana slices creates a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store any leftover banana bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and safe. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days, making a perfect grab-and-go snack or sweet treat.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted banana bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, placing them in a freezer bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Frost once fully thawed for best results. This way, you can always have a batch handy for when banana bar cravings hit.
Reheating
If you want a warm bite, gently warm a bar (without the frosting) in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid heating frosted bars as the cream cheese frosting may melt and lose texture. Enjoy them warm with frosting on the side or freshly spread.
FAQs
Can I substitute bananas for this recipe?
While bananas are essential to this recipe’s identity, you could try mashed pumpkin or applesauce, but it wouldn’t have the same signature flavor or moistness that bananas provide. Overripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture that can’t be easily replaced.
Is it necessary to use both sour cream and buttermilk?
Yes! The combination of sour cream and buttermilk ensures the banana bars remain moist and tender with a perfect balanced tang to complement the sweet bananas and frosting. Skipping either might result in drier bars.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, but ensure it contains xanthan gum for texture. The bars will still be delicious, but the texture might vary slightly.
How do I make sure the frosting is smooth and lump-free?
Using softened butter and cream cheese is crucial—cold ingredients can cause lumps. Beat them slowly at first, then increase speed until creamy. Sift powdered sugar before adding to avoid clumps.
How long do Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe last at room temperature?
Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to keep the bars refrigerated and consume within 4 days. At room temperature, the frosting can spoil quickly, so refrigeration is important for both safety and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and joyful about baking Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe—each bite is a little moment of happiness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, these bars deliver that perfect blend of moist banana sweetness and creamy tangy frosting. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become a beloved favorite you’ll return to again and again.
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
Delightfully moist and flavorful banana bars topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-make dessert combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich butter and a hint of vanilla, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Banana Bars
- 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 Banana Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup softened butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Add ½ cup sour cream and ½ cup buttermilk, both at room temperature, along with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in 4 medium overripe mashed bananas gently to maintain moisture and texture.
- Bake the Bars: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in 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 mixing bowl, beat together ½ cup softened butter and 8 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar, beating continuously until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Bars: Once the banana bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or knife. Cut into 24 bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm and fresh.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender.
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly into the batter and frosting.
- Frosting will be easier to spread if bars are completely cooled.
- You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Store bars refrigerated due to cream cheese frosting; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
