Name: Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 2 eggs; 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you are on the lookout for a delightful and comforting treat, this Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine soft, moist banana bars bursting with natural banana sweetness, all topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances the flavors. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug—simple to make but incredibly satisfying every time. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family night or bringing a dessert to a gathering, these bars deliver both nostalgia and a touch of elegance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a rectangular glass baking dish filled with a cake cut into 16 square pieces. The top layer is thick white frosting, smooth and creamy, each square decorated with a slice of banana and small walnut pieces. The cake layer beneath is visible in the corner where a piece is removed, showing a light brown, moist texture. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is holding the removed piece. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a meaningful role in creating the perfect texture, sweetness, and flavor harmony in your banana bars and frosting. From the fragrant vanilla to the ripe bananas, everything contributes to the magic that happens in your baking pan.

2 cups flour: The foundation that gives the bars their hearty but tender crumb.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for a light, airy texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor complexity.
1 cup sugar: Adds necessary sweetness that complements the bananas and cream cheese.
1/2 cup butter, softened: Provides moisture and richness for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
2 eggs: Bind everything together while adding a slight firmness to the bars.
3 ripe bananas, mashed: The star ingredient delivering natural sweetness and incredible moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma and rounds out the flavors.
4 ounces cream cheese, softened: The base of the frosting bringing tangy creaminess.
1/4 cup butter, softened: Makes the frosting smooth and spreadable with a velvety texture.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to that perfect balance.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cream cheese frosting’s flavor to perfection.

How to Make Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This step ensures your bars won’t stick and you’ll get those neat edges after baking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients now helps them distribute evenly throughout the batter later on.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is key for soft bars. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, mixing gently until everything is well incorporated. The bananas lend moisture and a naturally sweet flavor that make the bars irresistibly tender.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until all the flour has disappeared into the batter. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the bars soft and tender rather than tough. Once combined, pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan.

Step 4: Bake and Cool the Bars

Bake the bars in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be sure not to overbake as that will dry them out. Once done, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is essential for the frosting to spread beautifully without melting away.

Step 5: Make and Spread the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Then gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. Once your banana bars have cooled, spread this frosting generously over the top. This final layer makes the bars truly special by adding a delightful tangy sweetness.

How to Serve Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a square piece of carrot cake with light brown cream frosting on top, sitting on a metal cooling rack. The cake has a moist texture with visible bits of carrot and nuts inside, and the frosting looks smooth and creamy. Behind the cake, more pieces are arranged closely together with the same frosting layer on top. The surface under the rack is a white marbled texture, and there is a banana and some kitchen items slightly blurred in the background. A woman's hand is holding the front piece of cake, showing the layers clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans over the frosting for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft banana bars. A light dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder can add an extra aroma and a sophisticated touch. If you want a pop of color and freshness, a few thin slices of fresh banana or some finely chopped fresh mint work beautifully.

Side Dishes

These banana bars are fantastic all on their own but pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat. A hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk rounds out the experience, balancing the sweetness with comforting warmth or refreshing coolness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming picnic or party presentation, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and skewer them with decorative toothpicks. You can also layer broken bars in a trifle bowl with Greek yogurt and fresh berries to turn this classic into a visually stunning layered dessert. If you want to gift some, wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with a pretty ribbon for an inviting homemade touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover banana bars with cream cheese frosting in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. They will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or dessert for busy days.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted banana bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw completely in the fridge and then apply the cream cheese frosting fresh for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

Though they’re best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, if you prefer a warm bar, microwave a slice for about 15 seconds before frosting or serve as is after frosting. The warming brings out the banana flavor wonderfully without compromising the creamy frosting texture.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are ideal because they are sweeter and softer, which results in a moister, more flavorful banana bar. Just make sure to mash them well before adding.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that has xanthan gum, you can enjoy these banana bars gluten-free. Just be mindful of ingredient ratios and baking times, which may vary slightly.

How long will the cream cheese frosting stay fresh?

The cream cheese frosting keeps best when refrigerated and should be consumed within 3 to 5 days for optimal freshness and safety.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free?

Definitely! Replace the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives such as vegan cream cheese and margarine, and you’ll still get a deliciously creamy frosting.

What if my frosting is too runny?

If your frosting feels too soft, simply add a bit more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens to your liking. Chilling it for 15 to 30 minutes can also help firm it up before spreading.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel as excited as I do to try this lovingly crafted Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a timeless classic that balances simplicity with decadence, perfect for sharing with friends or keeping as your own little secret indulgence. Once you taste that moist banana base paired with creamy, tangy frosting, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved treat. So preheat that oven and bake yourself something wonderful today!