Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these banana bars with cream cheese frosting! They’re like a warm hug from the oven, sweet and utterly irresistible. Every bite is a delightful blend of moist banana goodness topped with a rich, creamy frosting that takes them to the next level. I remember the first time I baked these bars; the smell of ripe bananas wafting through my kitchen was pure magic! They’re perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a sweet surprise at gatherings. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making these scrumptious bars again and again. The cream cheese frosting? It’s the cherry on top that makes these bars truly unforgettable!
Ingredients List
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
How to Prepare Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making these banana bars with cream cheese frosting! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and toasty by the time your batter is ready to go in.
In a large mixing bowl, mash those ripe bananas until they’re smooth and creamy—think of it as a mini workout for your arms! Then, add in 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of softened butter. Mix it all together until it’s well combined and fluffy. Next, crack in 2 eggs and pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Give it a good stir until everything is blended beautifully.
Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. You don’t want to overmix; just mix until you see no dry flour left.
Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake these beauties in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let them cool completely in the pan. While they cool, you can whip up the frosting!
In a bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon of milk until it’s smooth and creamy. Once the bars are cool, spread that luscious frosting on top, and voila! You’ve got yourself a batch of heavenly banana bars with cream cheese frosting. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for a last-minute dessert!
- Moist and flavorful banana bars that everyone will adore.
- Rich cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tanginess that complements the sweetness of the bananas.
- Great for sharing at parties, potlucks, or just because—you’ll be the star of the gathering!
- Can be customized with nuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) stay fresh and delicious for days in an airtight container.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your banana bars with cream cheese frosting turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you succeed:
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots; they’re sweeter and will make your bars even more flavorful.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars, and we want these to be light and fluffy!
- Cool Completely: Allow your bars to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting and helps you achieve that beautiful, smooth finish.
- Storage: Store your banana bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or pop them in the fridge to extend their freshness. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience!
- Try Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips can elevate the flavor and add a delightful crunch. Just fold them in gently before baking.
With these tips, you’re all set to bake some truly amazing banana bars. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional info for these delightful banana bars with cream cheese frosting! Each bar is approximately 180 calories, with 7 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein. You’ll also find about 26 grams of carbohydrates and 12 grams of sugar per serving. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so they might vary slightly depending on what you use. Enjoy these treats in moderation, and savor every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Common Questions
Can I substitute the cream cheese in the frosting? Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or whipped cream cheese. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary a bit, but they’ll still be delicious!
What can I use instead of eggs? If you’re vegan or allergic to eggs, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana. This will keep your bars moist and flavorful!
How do I store leftover banana bars? Store your banana bars with cream cheese frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Can I freeze these bars? Yes! These banana bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
What variations can I try with this recipe? You can mix things up by adding in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a bit of warmth. Feel free to get creative and make these banana bars your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your banana bars with cream cheese frosting fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, pop them in the refrigerator where they can last up to a week. Just make sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving; trust me, they taste best that way!
If you want to reheat them, simply pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften it up. Enjoy that warm, gooey goodness all over again!
Print
Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: 5 Reasons to Savor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious banana bars topped with creamy frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix mashed bananas, sugar, and butter.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for best flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container.
- Can add nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: banana bars with cream cheese frosting
