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Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft and moist banana dessert bars topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for parties, snacks, or family desserts.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Banana Bars
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.5 cup walnuts or pecans optional
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tbsp milk or cream

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13 baking pan
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
  3. Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Stir in mashed bananas and sour cream until combined.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  7. Fold in walnuts or pecans if desired.
  8. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and bake for 22–28 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Cool bars completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  10. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix in milk as needed.
  11. Spread frosting over cooled banana bars, slice, and serve.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and moisture. Chill bars before slicing for cleaner cuts.