Name: Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: PT-489365H2M47S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Bars:; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1-1/2 cups sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup); Cream Cheese Frosting:; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3-3/4 to 4 cups confectioners’ sugar

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These Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect way to use up overripe bananas. Moist, tender, and lightly sweet with just the right amount of banana flavor, these bars are topped with a rich and creamy frosting that takes them to the next level. Whether for a potluck, party, or after-dinner dessert, these crowd-pleasing bars are always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a delicious cross between banana bread and cake, but with the ease and simplicity of a sheet-pan dessert. The sour cream keeps the bars extra moist, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy, sweet finish. It’s an excellent make-ahead dessert and makes a large batch—ideal for sharing.

Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the banana bars:

Butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Eggs (room temperature)
Sour cream
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Ripe bananas (mashed)

For the cream cheese frosting:

Cream cheese (softened)
Butter (softened)
Vanilla extract
Confectioners’ sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5–7 minutes.
Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture.
Stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Do not overbake.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
Cut into bars and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

Servings: 48 bars (4 dozen)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Cooling Time: As needed
Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes

Variations

Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for texture and crunch.
Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed nuts on the frosting for extra flavor.
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier taste.
Use browned butter in the batter or frosting for a deeper, nutty flavor.
Make them gluten-free using a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.

Storage/Reheating

Store the frosted banana bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze, place the frosted bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Serve chilled or at room temperature—both ways are delicious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing and adding to the batter.

Can I make this in a 9×13-inch pan?

You can, but the bars will be thicker and may require a slightly longer baking time. Watch closely and test with a toothpick.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, they store well in the fridge and taste even better the next day after the flavors meld.

How ripe should my bananas be?

Use bananas that are deeply spotted or black—these provide the most natural sweetness and moisture.

Is sour cream necessary?

Sour cream adds moisture and richness. If needed, substitute with plain Greek yogurt.

Can I skip the frosting?

You can, but the cream cheese frosting is a signature element. Try a simple dusting of powdered sugar as a lighter option.

How do I get smooth frosting?

Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are fully softened before mixing, and beat well for a fluffy, lump-free texture.

Do I need to refrigerate the frosted bars?

Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting, the bars should be stored in the refrigerator.

Can I use a hand mixer?

Absolutely. A hand mixer works well for both the batter and frosting.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes! Fold in ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips for a banana-chocolate twist.

Conclusion

Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect solution for those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Moist, fluffy, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you serve them at a party or keep them all to yourself, one batch won’t be enough.

Jessica