Description
Deliciously moist banana bars topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly sweet and easy to make, these bars combine ripe bananas and a tender crumb for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s baked to perfection and frosted with a smooth, luscious cream cheese topping.
Ingredients
Banana Bars
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3-3/4 to 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Make the batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a hand or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about five to seven minutes.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture and blend well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add the bananas: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas until just incorporated. Ensure the bananas are well-mashed beforehand to blend smoothly into the batter.
- Prepare to bake: Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan (also called a jelly-roll pan). Spread the banana batter evenly into the pan to prepare for baking.
- Bake the banana bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be cautious not to overbake to keep the bars moist. Once done, allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
- Make the cream cheese frosting: In a clean bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract using a mixer until the mixture is fluffy and smooth. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar—starting with 3-3/4 cups—and beat until the frosting reaches your desired consistency, sifting the sugar first if it’s clumpy to prevent lumps.
- Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled banana bars. Decorate with swoops or your preferred style. Serve immediately or store leftovers in the refrigerator to keep fresh.
Notes
- Make sure bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender.
- Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Sift confectioners’ sugar if lumpy to achieve a smooth frosting.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator; bars are best within 3-4 days.
- Use a toothpick test to check doneness to avoid dryness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
