Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft yummy banana bars topped with cream cheese frosting make for a delightful treat that everyone will love! These Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to afternoon snacks. Their moist texture and sweet flavor are sure to be crowd-pleasers, and the creamy frosting adds an irresistible touch. Enjoy these delicious bars as a comforting dessert or as a sweet addition to your brunch spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Deliciously Moist: Ripe bananas keep the bars incredibly moist, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve these banana bars at birthday parties, picnics, or even as an everyday snack.
• Creamy Frosting: The rich cream cheese frosting elevates the flavor profile, adding a delightful sweetness.
• Crowd Favorite: With their appealing taste and texture, these bars are sure to impress family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

For making Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, having the right tools can simplify your baking experience. Here are some essential tools you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Baking pan (15 x 10 x 1 inch)
• Rubber spatula
• Toothpick (for testing doneness)

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easy and efficient, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Baking pan: The right size ensures even baking and prevents overflow while cooking.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down sides of bowls and mixing ingredients thoroughly, getting every bit of goodness in your batter.

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: Prepare the Batter

In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the ripe bananas and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

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

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract while beating well. If you prefer thicker frosting, simply add more powdered sugar until reaching your desired consistency.

Step 6: Frost Your Bars

Once the banana bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a rubber spatula. Slice into squares or rectangles for serving.

Enjoy your delicious Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana bars with cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a gathering or just a cozy evening at home, these bars are versatile and easy to serve.

For a Casual Gathering

• Cut into bite-sized pieces: Perfect for snacking, these small squares allow guests to enjoy them without feeling too indulgent.
• Serve on a platter: Arrange the bars on a decorative platter for an inviting presentation.

With Fresh Fruit

• Add sliced bananas: Complement the banana flavor by serving fresh banana slices alongside the bars.
• Pair with berries: Strawberries or blueberries add a burst of color and freshness.

For Breakfast or Brunch

• Serve with coffee or tea: These bars make a great addition to morning beverages, perfect for brunch gatherings.
• Offer with yogurt: A side of Greek yogurt can add a creamy texture that balances the sweetness.

How to Perfect Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Achieving the perfect banana bars requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results.

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
• Check your oven temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly to avoid undercooked or overcooked bars.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to keep your bars soft and tender.
• Cool completely before frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures it stays fluffy and intact.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with banana bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and complements the sweetness of banana bars.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
3. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream drizzled over the bars makes for an elegant touch.
4. Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola adds texture and pairs well with the soft bars when served as a topping.
5. Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy option adds nutrition while maintaining a deliciously creamy element alongside the dessert.
6. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy macaroons offer a different flavor profile that complements the banana nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Using unripe bananas: Using bananas that aren’t ripe enough can lead to dense and less flavorful bars. Always opt for medium ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor and texture.

• Not measuring ingredients properly: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision to ensure your banana bars turn out just right.

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can create tough bars instead of soft ones. Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients to keep them tender.

• Skipping the cooling step: Cutting into warm banana bars can cause them to fall apart. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting for easier serving.

• Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese can lead to a lumpy frosting. Make sure it is at room temperature for a smooth and creamy consistency when making your frosting.

• Not adjusting frosting thickness: If you find your cream cheese frosting too thin, don’t hesitate to add more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired thickness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store banana bars in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.

• Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.

• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them completely, drain excess liquid, and mash them before adding to the batter.

How do I know when my banana bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your banana bars are ready!

What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?

You can use coconut oil or vegetable oil as alternatives for butter if you’re looking for dairy-free options.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for added flavor and texture.

How should I store leftover banana bars?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them if you want to keep them longer.

Final Thoughts

These Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or even swapping out frosting flavors. Give this recipe a try—your family will love these sweet treats!