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
Scale
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.
