Description
These Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are moist, flavorful, and perfect for using up ripe bananas. Topped with a rich and fluffy cream cheese frosting, they’re ideal for potlucks, parties, or everyday treats.
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (5–7 minutes).
- Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix 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 evenly distributed.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Do not overbake.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until fluffy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar until the desired consistency is reached.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars. Slice and serve.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Bars can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the fridge.
- Optional: Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 148
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 96mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
