Rich Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Banana bars are a delightful treat that seamlessly blends the nostalgic comfort of banana bread with the indulgence of a moist, cake-like texture. Perfectly spiced and sweetened, these bars shine as an elevated dessert or snack option. Topping them with a luscious layer of cream cheese frosting adds a creamy richness that transforms simple banana bars into a decadent masterpiece. This Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is straightforward yet yields results that feel gourmet, making it ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned dessert enthusiasts.
Ingredients Overview
Banana Bars
The foundation of these banana bars lies in their carefully selected ingredients. Ripe bananas play the starring role, imparting natural sweetness and a tender texture. The sour cream adds a subtle tang while ensuring the bars remain moist and soft, even days after baking. Melted butter contributes richness, while the granulated sugar enhances the sweetness to a balanced perfection. Eggs act as the binding agents, bringing all the components together seamlessly.
Ground cinnamon lends a warm, aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with the banana flavor. A blend of all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt ensures structure and a light crumb, while the vanilla extract infuses the batter with a subtle floral note that complements the overall flavor profile.
Cream Cheese Frosting
The cream cheese frosting is the pièce de résistance. Made with a harmonious blend of softened cream cheese and butter, it achieves an irresistibly smooth consistency. The powdered sugar sweetens the mixture without overpowering the tangy richness of the cream cheese. A hint of vanilla extract enhances the frosting’s complexity, while a splash of milk ensures a spreadable, silky texture. Properly softened butter and cream cheese are crucial for preventing lumps and creating the dreamiest frosting possible.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Banana Bar Batter
To start, melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly. This step ensures the butter doesn’t scramble the eggs or negatively impact the batter’s texture. The bananas should be mashed to a mostly smooth consistency with a few small lumps remaining for added texture. Incorporate the butter, sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract into the bananas, whisking until a smooth, cohesive mixture forms.
Combine the dry ingredients flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold these dry elements into the wet mixture, ensuring no pockets of flour remain. Proper mixing ensures the bars bake evenly and retain their light, fluffy structure.
Baking the Bars
Pour the batter into a greased pan, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Bake in a preheated 350°F (177°C) oven for 20-25 minutes. Watch for visual cues of doneness: the edges should slightly pull away from the pan, and the center should spring back when gently pressed. Avoid overbaking to maintain the moist, tender crumb that makes these bars so delectable. Allow the bars to cool in the pan completely before frosting; rushing this step can result in a melted frosting disaster.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Add the powdered sugar in increments to avoid a mess and to ensure even incorporation. Enhance the flavor with vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then adjust the consistency with milk as needed. The result should be creamy, luscious, and easy to spread.
Apply the frosting generously to the cooled banana bars. If the frosting feels too soft, a brief stint in the refrigerator will firm it up, ensuring neat slices and a polished presentation.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
- Substitute sour cream with yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor without compromising moisture.
- Prevent sticking by greasing the pan thoroughly or lining it with parchment paper for effortless removal.
- Enhance flavor by adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips to the batter.
- Can I use overripe bananas? Yes, the riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bars will be.
- Can this recipe be made gluten-free? Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
- How to prevent frosting from becoming too soft? Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature and refrigerate the frosting briefly if needed.
- Best way to store leftovers? Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, or freeze unfrosted bars for up to three months.
What to Serve With This Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Pair these banana bars with a warm cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea for an unbeatable afternoon treat. Add a dollop of whipped cream or fresh fruit on the side for a refreshing contrast. For parties, cut the bars into smaller portions and arrange them on a platter for an easy-to-serve dessert that guests will adore.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
These banana bars store beautifully. Once frosted, they should be refrigerated in an airtight container to keep the frosting firm and the bars moist. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted bars and frost them on the day of serving. This make-ahead option not only saves time but also enhances the flavor as the ingredients meld together over time.
Conclusion
Banana bars with cream cheese frosting strike the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. Their moist texture, warm spices, and creamy topping create a dessert that feels luxurious yet comforting. Whether for a casual family gathering or an elegant celebration, these bars are sure to impress. Give this Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe a try and discover a new favorite treat to share and savor.
Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Banana Bars
- 1 cup 240 g sour cream, at room temperature
- 1¾ cups 350 g granulated sugar
- ½ cup 113 g unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1¼ cups mashed bananas approximately 2 medium bananas
- 2 teaspoons 10 ml vanilla extract
- 2 cups 240 g all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting for Banana Bars
- 8 oz. 226 g cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup 113 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3½ cups 420 g powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons 10 ml vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon 15 ml milk, as needed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease your chosen baking pan, whether it’s a 15×10-inch pan or a 9×13-inch one.
- In a medium-sized bowl, melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly until it feels warm but not hot to the touch.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until fully incorporated.
- In another bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth with a few small lumps remaining. Add the cooled melted butter, sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring no pockets of flour remain. Stir until the batter is evenly mixed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the cake gently springs back when touched and the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before proceeding to the frosting.
- To prepare the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, salt, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of milk. Mix until the frosting is creamy and smooth, adding additional milk if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
- Spread the frosting generously over the cooled banana bars. If the frosting becomes too soft, refrigerate the frosted bars for 20-30 minutes to firm up before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
To store frosted banana bars, start by slicing the sheet cake into your preferred portion sizes. Place the pieces in a single layer in the fridge to chill until the cream cheese frosting firms up. Once set, transfer the bars to an airtight container for longer storage, separating each layer with wax or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for optimal freshness.