Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat, brimming with the goodness of perfectly ripe bananas. When you come across a cluster of bananas that have darkened a bit too much for your liking, rejoice! It’s the perfect excuse to bake a batch of these moist and flavorful bars. Embrace the wise old adage, “waste not, want not,” by letting this recipe turn your overripe bananas into the star of a delectable homemade dessert.

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Bananas are notorious for ripening at lightning speed. One moment they’re slightly green, and the next, they’ve transformed into a cascade of golden yellow. And before you know it they have brown spots and are soft and overripe! So the next time you have overripe bananas try these delicious banana bars!

When bananas become overripe, their peels develop brown spots, indicating increased sugar content. While these bananas might not be ideal for eating out of hand, they become the secret ingredient for incredibly moist and flavorful baked goods. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more intense the flavor in your Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.

The riper your bananas, the better the bars – so let those spotted bananas shine!

Fresh or Frozen Bananas?

You can use fresh or frozen bananas the riper the better. If using fresh bananas let them ripen to the point of a few brown spots appearing on the skin. If you are like me I have a stash of frozen brown bananas in the freezer at all times because they ripen faster than we eat them! And they are perfect for this banana bar recipe or banana bread.

Freezing bananas ensures that you have a stash of overripe goodness whenever the baking mood strikes. You can freeze them unpeeled; I just throw them in a freezer bag. Alternately you can peel the bananas and slice them and place on a parchment-lined tray, making sure they’re not touching. Once frozen, transfer the banana slices to a resealable bag. This method prevents them from sticking together, making it easier to grab the precise amount needed for your next baking adventure. These frozen treasures can then be used at your convenience for future batches of banana bars, banana bread, banana muffins or smoothies.

Ingredients Needed for Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups white sugar

1/2 cup butter softened

2 large eggs room temperature

1 cup sour cream or plain greek yogurt

1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large)

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/4 tsp salt

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1 : Prepare your Sheet Pan

Using nonstick cooking spray, spray your 15 x 10 baking sheet or jelly roll pan and set aside. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.

Step 2: Mix and Mash

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and white sugar with your electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the mashed bananas, sour cream (or plain greek yogurt), and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

Step 3: Blend the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat until combined.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Spread the banana bar batter evenly onto your prepared pan. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few crumbs stuck to it. Your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of banana bliss! Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

The Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 5: Whip Up the Frosting

While the banana bars cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. 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. Generously spread the cream cheese icing over the top of the cooled banana bars.

Storage Tips for Banana Bars:

The Banana bars will keep up to a week tightly covered in the refrigerator.

Freezing the Bars:

To freeze banana bars, ensure they are completely cooled and cut into individual servings. Place parchment paper between the bars to prevent sticking, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in an airtight container or a freezer bag for up to three months.

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