Enjoy the perfect mix of moist banana bars with cream cheese frosting. This recipe is a twist on classic banana bread. It’s easy to make and always a hit with family and friends.
What Are Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Banana bars are a fun twist on traditional banana bread. They have a denser batter, making them more like brownies. These bars are baked in a jelly roll pan, which gives them a thin, rectangular shape. They also come with a creamy cream cheese frosting.
A Delightful Twist on Classic Banana Bread
Banana bars with cream cheese frosting mix the taste of ripe bananas with the tang of cream cheese. This makes them a great choice for potlucks, brunches, or any time you want a new banana treat.
The recipe uses ingredients like mashed bananas, butter, eggs, and baking soda. But the batter is thicker and baked in a jelly roll pan. This makes the bars dense, moist, and perfectly shaped.
After baking, the bars get topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. This adds a tangy and rich touch. Together, the flavors and textures make a treat that’s sure to please.
“Banana bars with cream cheese frosting offer a delightful twist on classic banana bread, providing a finger-friendly dessert or snack option perfect for potlucks, brunches, or anytime you want to enjoy the flavors of banana in a new way.”
Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredient List
To make the perfect banana bars with cream cheese frosting, you need the right ingredients. Let’s explore what makes up this tasty dessert:
For the banana bars, you’ll need:
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2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
And for the cream cheese frosting, you’ll need:
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8 ounces (1 block) cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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3 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
With these banana bar ingredients and cream cheese frosting ingredients, you’re all set to make a delicious easy banana dessert. It’s sure to impress everyone.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Best Banana Bars
Making banana bars with a silky cream cheese frosting is simple. Just follow these steps to make this tasty treat:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add 1 cup of sour cream, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then mix well.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
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Fold in 2 medium ripe mashed bananas to make a tasty banana batter.
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Spread the batter evenly in the prepared jelly roll pan.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the banana bars cool completely before frosting.
With these easy steps, you’ll make the best banana bars for your loved ones. Remember to be patient and let the bars cool before adding the frosting. This ensures the ultimate indulgence. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for more sweet inspiration, check out this amazing Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting tutorial for a perfect treat
“These banana bars are a delightful twist on classic banana bread, with a rich and creamy frosting that takes them to the next level.”
Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting
Making the perfect cream cheese frosting is the last step to finish your delicious banana bars. This frosting is creamy, tangy, and the perfect match for the sweet bars. It creates a balance of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Creamy, Tangy Perfection
To start, use a handheld mixer to mix the softened cream cheese and butter until it’s light and fluffy. Next, add vanilla extract and almond extract (or an extra teaspoon of vanilla) for more flavor.
Moreover, the frosting’s creaminess comes from adding powdered sugar slowly. Continue mixing until it’s smooth, spreadable, and sweet enough to balance the tangy cream cheese.
Additionally, browned butter adds a unique flavor to the frosting, enhancing the tanginess of the cream cheese. As a result, this makes the frosting a creamy, tangy perfection that everyone will love.
Lastly, for tips on making perfect cream cheese frosting, ensure you use softened cream cheese and butter. Be patient when adding powdered sugar, and let the flavors blend together for a frosting that’s truly irresistible.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in banana bars with cream cheese frosting?
The main ingredients for the banana bars include butter, sugar, eggs, and sour cream or plain yogurt. You’ll also need vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. For the cream cheese frosting, you’ll need cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, almond extract (or additional vanilla), and powdered sugar.
How do the texture and flavor of banana bars differ from classic banana bread?
Banana bars have a denser, more brownie-like texture. They are baked in a jelly roll pan. This results in a thin bar shape with the perfect ratio of cake to frosting.
What makes the cream cheese frosting so delicious?
The cream cheese frosting gets its rich, tangy flavor from softened cream cheese and butter. Vanilla and almond extracts, along with powdered sugar, create a creamy, smooth consistency. This complements the banana bars perfectly.
How long does it take to make banana bars with cream cheese frosting?
This recipe is quick to make. The banana bars bake in just 20-25 minutes. The cream cheese frosting is also simple to prepare. This makes it an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert option.
When are banana bars with cream cheese frosting best served?
These bars are perfect for many occasions, from potlucks and brunches to everyday snacking. Their finger-friendly size and delightful twist on classic banana bread make them a crowd-pleaser.