Irresistible Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Irresistible Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk

Published: July 30, 2025

by Clara Harper

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These banana bars are incredibly easy to whip up, making them a go-to for last-minute gatherings.
The flavor profile combines sweet bananas and tangy cream cheese perfectly.
Visually appealing with their creamy frosting, they’re a treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Versatile enough to be enjoyed as breakfast or dessert, they fit any time of day!

I’ll never forget the first time I made these banana bars; my friends devoured them as if they’d been on an extended fast. The laughter and joy around the table were contagious!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Ripe Bananas: Aim for bananas that are heavily speckled and soft for maximum sweetness and moisture.
All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for a more wholesome texture.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness; adjust according to your preference if using very ripe bananas.
Baking Soda: Essential for fluffiness; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor of the dessert.
Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter helps achieve that creamy consistency in the batter.
Eggs: Two large eggs provide structure and richness; always use at room temperature.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of quality vanilla brings everything together beautifully.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is vital for making that luscious frosting.
Powdered Sugar: This creates a smooth frosting; sift it before mixing to avoid lumps.
Milk: A little milk helps achieve the desired consistency in your frosting.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: First off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper so your bars release effortlessly.

Mash Those Bananas!: Grab those ripe bananas and mash them up in a bowl until they’re smooth yet chunky. The smell should remind you of summer picnics and lazy afternoons.

Create the Batter Base: In another large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time while mixing in vanilla extract until everything is combined.

Add Dry Ingredients Slowly!: Sift flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture gradually. Fold gently until just combined—overmixing will lead to tough bars.

Pour & Bake Away!: Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top! The aroma will draw everyone into the kitchen.

Whip Up That Cream Cheese Frosting!: While your bars cool down, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk until silky smooth. Spread generously over cooled bars—this is where it gets exciting!

You’ve done it! Serve these deliciously moist banana bars topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting at room temperature or slightly chilled—the choice is yours! Enjoy each delectable bite surrounded by family or friends who can’t resist asking for seconds!

You Must Know

The best bananas for baking are ripe with brown spots; they add sweetness and flavor.
Using room temperature cream cheese makes frosting smoother and easier to spread.
Don’t skip the cooling time before frosting; warm banana bars will melt your cream cheese icing.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your dry ingredients first, then blend in the mashed bananas and wet ingredients. This order ensures everything mixes seamlessly—no lumpy surprises here!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. You could even add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice kick!

Storing & Reheating

Store your delicious banana bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, but bring them back to room temp before serving for best taste.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture in your banana bars.
Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure easy spreading of frosting.
Let your banana bars cool completely before icing to avoid a melty disaster!

When I first baked these banana bars for my family gathering, they disappeared faster than I could say “cream cheese frosting.” The kids even asked for seconds—it felt like I had stumbled onto dessert royalty!

FAQ

Can I use frozen bananas for banana bars with cream cheese frosting?

Yes, just thaw them completely and drain excess moisture before use.

How should I store leftover banana bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer freshness.

Can I make these banana bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for tasty results.

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