Banana bars with cream cheese frosting are an absolute delight that brings back memories of cozy afternoons spent with loved ones. Imagine biting into a soft, moist treat, bursting with the sweet aroma of ripe bananas and topped with a luscious layer of creamy frosting. The first taste transports you back to grandma’s kitchen, where the scent of baking wafted through the air like a warm hug. For more inspiration, check out this Magic Pecan Cheesecake Bars recipe.
These banana bars are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual get-together, a birthday party, or just a lazy Sunday afternoon at home. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. Each mouthful is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will have you dreaming of more while secretly plotting your next baking adventure. For more inspiration, check out this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These banana bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort.
- The flavor profile is a delightful mix of sweet and tangy thanks to the cream cheese frosting.
- Their visual appeal makes them perfect for any gathering or potluck.
- Enjoy them as a dessert or snack; they’re versatile enough to please everyone!
Ingredients for banana bars with cream cheese frosting
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Bananas: Use 3-4 medium-sized ripe bananas for optimal sweetness and moisture in the bars.
- All-Purpose Flour: About 2 cups will give the bars structure without being too dense.
- Sugar: You’ll need both granulated sugar and brown sugar to enhance sweetness and flavor depth.
- Baking Soda: Just one teaspoon helps these bars rise beautifully while providing a tender crumb.
- Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and brings out all those delicious flavors.
- Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together while adding richness.
- Butter: One stick of melted butter gives these bars their moist texture and rich flavor.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream Cheese: Use an 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese for that perfect tangy flavor.
- Butter: Half a stick of softened butter adds creaminess to your frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: About two cups will give your frosting that sweet finish without being overly sugary.
- Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon enhances all those wonderful flavors in your frosting.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make banana bars with cream cheese frosting
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, greasing a baking pan (around 9×13 inches) with nonstick cooking spray will ensure easy removal later.
Step 2: Mash Those Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth. You want them mushy enough to blend seamlessly into the batter—think baby food but way tastier!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter, sugar (both granulated and brown), eggs, and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas. Stir well until everything combines beautifully; you’ll want it looking like sunshine in a bowl.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough bars—nobody wants that.
Step 5: Bake Them Up
Pour your batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
While your bars cool down on a wire rack, whip up that fabulous cream cheese frosting! Beat softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
Once cooled, generously spread that heavenly cream cheese frosting over your banana bars.
Transfer to plates and enjoy these delectable treats as an afternoon snack or dessert—the perfect way to brighten any day!
You Must Know
- These banana bars with cream cheese frosting are not just a dessert; they are the ultimate comfort food.
- With their moist texture and creamy topping, they bring smiles to every gathering.
- Perfect for using up ripe bananas, they’re also a delightful treat for any occasion.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mash those ripe bananas in a bowl while mixing your dry ingredients. Combine everything in one bowl for easy cleanup, pour into a greased pan, and bake until golden brown.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the nuts for chocolate chips or add some cinnamon for an extra kick. You can even experiment with different frostings like peanut butter or vanilla for a fun twist on these delightful banana bars.
Storing & Reheating
Store your banana bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just enough to warm that frosting.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect banana bars, make sure your bananas are overripe; they add sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it keeps them light and fluffy.
- Finally, let the bars cool completely before frosting to ensure that creamy topping stays put.
After making these banana bars with cream cheese frosting for my niece’s birthday party, I was thrilled to see how quickly they disappeared! The kids loved them and even asked for seconds—now that’s what I call a win!
FAQs :
What are banana bars with cream cheese frosting?
Banana bars with cream cheese frosting are a delicious dessert made from ripe bananas, flour, sugar, and eggs, baked into soft bars. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the bananas. grape salad for dessert These bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat at home.
How can I store banana bars with cream cheese frosting?
To store banana bars with cream cheese frosting, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their freshness and keeps the frosting from becoming too soft. They can be enjoyed cold or brought to room temperature before serving. For longer storage, you can freeze them; just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Can I use frozen bananas for banana bars with cream cheese frosting?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas for making banana bars with cream cheese frosting. Thaw the bananas first and drain any excess liquid before mashing them. Using overripe frozen bananas will enhance the flavor and sweetness of your bars. This method is an excellent way to utilize ripe bananas that you may not be able to use right away.
What variations can I try for banana bars with cream cheese frosting?
There are many delicious variations you can try for banana bars with cream cheese frosting. Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance flavor. You can also swap out half of the flour for whole wheat flour for added nutrition. banana muffins with chocolate chips Experimenting with different frostings, such as vanilla or chocolate buttercream, can create exciting new twists on this classic recipe. whole wheat bread recipe.
Conclusion for banana bars with cream cheese frosting :
In summary, banana bars with cream cheese frosting offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that appeal to many dessert lovers. They are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing at various occasions. By using ripe bananas and simple ingredients, you can create a moist and flavorful treat topped with creamy frosting. strawberry shortcake recipe Don’t hesitate to customize your recipe with different mix-ins or variations to suit your taste preferences!
Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Banana bars with cream cheese frosting are a scrumptious treat that perfectly blend the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich, tangy frosting. These soft and moist bars are not only easy to make but also ideal for any occasion—be it a festive gathering or a cozy family snack. With each bite, you will be transported back to cherished moments in your kitchen. Try this recipe to create delightful memories while indulging in a delicious dessert!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (medium-sized)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) melted butter
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) softened butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth.
- Mix in melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While cooling on a wire rack, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy; gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once cooled, spread the frosting over the banana bars and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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