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
Scale
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.
