Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
When life hands you overripe bananas, what should be done? The answer is simple: whip up a batch of these irresistibly moist and flavorful Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. This recipe ensures that every last banana is put to delicious use, transforming them into a treat that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
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Why Overripe Bananas Are the Best for Baking
Bananas, as many know, have a habit of ripening faster than expected. At first, they appear slightly green, but before long, they turn a vibrant golden hue. Eventually, brown spots begin to emerge, marking their transition to being overripe. Although these bananas may seem past their prime for snacking, they actually become perfect for baking. In fact, those brown spots signal their readiness to take center stage in your baking adventures, transforming into a sweet and flavorful ingredient.
Overripe bananas offer an intensified sweetness and softer texture, which lend themselves beautifully to baked goods. The rule here is simple: the riper the banana, the better the flavor of your bars. So, let those spotted beauties shine!
Fresh or Frozen Bananas? Use What You Have
Both fresh and frozen bananas work wonderfully in this recipe. If using fresh bananas, ensure they are ripe enough to have a few brown spots. For those with a freezer stash, frozen bananas can be thawed and used just as easily.
Freezing Bananas: A Handy Tip
Frozen bananas are a baker’s secret weapon. They can be tossed into the freezer whole and unpeeled or prepped by peeling, slicing, and freezing them on a parchment-lined tray before storing in resealable bags. This makes it easy to grab exactly what’s needed for your next baking project.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Banana Bars:
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
¼ tsp salt
½ cup softened butter
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
How to Make Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Spray a 15 x 10-inch baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by mashed bananas, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt, add the dry ingredients gradually added to the wet mixture and blend until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 15 x 10-inch pan and baked for 25-30 minutes. The bars are ready when the top turns golden brown, and a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs attached. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 5: Whip It Up
While the bars are cooling, beat the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt. And beat until creamy. Once the bars are completely cooled, generously spread over the top.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Storing the Bars
Tightly cover and the frosted banana bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freezing the Bars
For longer storage, the bars can be frozen. Once fully cooled, cut into individual servings with parchment paper placed between layers to prevent sticking. Store the pieces in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to three months.
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Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For The Bars
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 cup sour cream or vanilla or plain yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups bananas mashed – about 3 large bananas
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
For The Frosting
- 1 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees℉. Grease a 15 x 10 baking sheet
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and white sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the mashed bananas, sour cream (or yogurt), and vanilla, mixing until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, and beat until combined.
- Spread the batter evenly onto a greased 15 x 10 baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few crumbs stuck to it.
- In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting achieves a velvety consistency. Once the banana bars are cool, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.