Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft yummy banana bars topped with cream cheese frosting! This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive celebration. The moist texture of the banana bars combined with the smooth cream cheese frosting makes them irresistible. Plus, they are easy to make and always a hit with both kids and adults!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious bars in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and cream cheese creates a flavor that’s simply out of this world.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, or just as a sweet treat at home.
• Family Favorite: This recipe has been trusted by families for generations, ensuring smiles all around!
• Easily Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist.

Tools and Preparation

To make these tasty banana bars with cream cheese frosting, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment ensures that your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking pan (15 x 10 x 1 inch)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar a breeze, ensuring fluffy results.
• Baking pan: A quality pan will help your banana bars cook evenly and prevent sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key in baking for the perfect texture and flavor.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bars

• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 3 medium ripe bananas
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Salt (pinch)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• ¼ cup butter (softened)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking pan with non-stick spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then add in the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow it to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

For the frosting, beat together softened butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to beat until fully incorporated. If you prefer a thicker frosting, simply add more powdered sugar.

Step 6: Frost Your Bars

Once cooled, spread your cream cheese frosting evenly over the banana bars. Cut into squares and serve! Enjoy this delightful dessert that’s sure to please everyone!

How to Serve Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana bars with cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat for any occasion. They can be enjoyed in various ways, making them versatile enough for both casual gatherings and special events.

Enjoy with Coffee

• A warm cup of coffee pairs perfectly with banana bars, enhancing their sweetness and flavor.

Serve as a Dessert Platter

• Slice the banana bars into smaller pieces and include them on a dessert platter alongside other treats like brownies or cookies for a mixed dessert experience.

Add Fresh Fruits

• Top your banana bars with fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing twist.

Garnish with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting for added crunch and flavor.

Pack for Lunch

• Cut the banana bars into individual servings and pack them in lunch boxes as a sweet treat during the day.

How to Perfect Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Creating perfect banana bars with cream cheese frosting is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out delicious every time.

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bars will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining dry ingredients with wet, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense bars.

• Check Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is properly calibrated. An oven thermometer can help you avoid undercooking or overcooking your bars.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the bars to cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting. This prevents melting and ensures a beautiful finish.

• Adjust Frosting Consistency: If you prefer thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired thickness.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with banana bars enhances your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options that complement these delightful treats:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creamy richness that contrasts beautifully with the moist banana bars.

2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the banana bars while adding vibrant colors.

3. Whipped Cream: Serve whipped cream on the side for those who enjoy an extra creamy touch with their dessert.

4. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over banana bars adds an indulgent chocolatey flavor that many will love.

5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and slices of banana bars in a glass for a unique twist on serving this dessert.

6. Coffee Cake Muffins: These muffins complement the flavors of banana in your dessert while offering a different texture and taste.

7. Chai Tea: A warm cup of chai tea provides aromatic spices that pair wonderfully with the flavors in banana bars.

8. Nutty Granola Mix: A crunchy granola mix offers a satisfying texture contrast when enjoyed alongside soft banana bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making banana bars with cream cheese frosting can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping Ripe Bananas: Using unripe bananas can lead to dense bars. Always choose ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science; incorrect measurements can ruin your recipe. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can make your banana bars tough. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Frosting warm bars leads to a melted mess. Allow your banana bars to cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter or cream cheese doesn’t mix well. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smooth blending.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover banana bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap banana bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual pieces on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: In a pan over low heat, warm slices covered with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making banana bars with cream cheese frosting.

Can I use frozen bananas for Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work great! Just ensure they are well mashed before adding them to the batter.

How do I know when my banana bars are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re ready!

Can I substitute other frostings?

Absolutely! You can try chocolate ganache or whipped cream as delicious alternatives.

What can I add to my banana bars?

Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

These banana bars with cream cheese frosting are soft, sweet, and incredibly satisfying. They offer endless customization options, from different toppings to added flavors. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful treat that everyone will love!