Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are delightfully moist bars that are topped with a rich and creamy frosting. They’re not heavy or overly sweet either. I think they’re a perfect treat for any time of year, and if you’re not a banana fan, feel free to substitute with another fruit.
It will still be undeniably delicious! If you’re looking for a soft and flavorful dessert that’s not overly sweet, you’ve come to the right place. When you make moist banana bars and pair them with a luscious cream cheese frosting, you get the perfect treat. The addition of ripe bananas just sends it over the top. I’ve really been in the mood for a fruity dessert, and these dreamy bars remind me of cozy family gatherings and special occasions. Not a fan of bananas? Don’t worry, they’re still delicious without them.
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Oven
Ingredients:
For the Banana Bars:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the Bananas:
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas with a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Bake the Bars:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bars:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and well combined.
- Frost the Bars:
- Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into bars and serve.
These Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of moist banana bars and rich cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible!
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