Irresistible Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Name: Irresistible Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk

Recipe By:

Lily Hartwell

Posted:

July 30, 2025

0 Shares

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

The moment you take a bite of these banana bars with cream cheese frosting, your taste buds will do a happy dance. The soft, fluffy texture paired with the sweet and tangy frosting is a match made in dessert heaven. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake; it’s enough to make anyone weak in the knees.

Delicious Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

I remember the first time I made these delightful treats for a family gathering. My cousin tried one and declared it “better than any cake.” That’s when I knew I had struck gold. Perfect for brunches or just because you need a pick-me-up, these bars are bound to impress!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These banana bars are incredibly simple to whip up, making them perfect for bakers of all levels.
The sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting adds a delightful touch that everyone loves.
With their golden color and inviting aroma, these treats are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Versatile enough to serve at parties or enjoy on a quiet afternoon with coffee.

I’ll never forget my friend’s reaction when I first served these at a potluck; she declared it her new favorite dessert!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are well-spotted but not overly brown for optimal sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for the best texture and flavor balance.
Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for maximum rise.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works best; it helps create that lovely sugary crust.
Eggs: Use large eggs; they provide moisture and help bind the ingredients together.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness; make sure it cools slightly before mixing in.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor beautifully.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese makes the frosting smooth and creamy; don’t skip this step!
Powdered Sugar: For the frosting, powdered sugar creates that sweet glaze we all adore.
Milk: Just a splash helps thin out the frosting to your desired consistency.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mash Those Bananas!: In a large bowl, mash about three ripe bananas until smooth. The riper they are, the sweeter they’ll be—think brown spots!

Create the Batter Base: Add melted butter and granulated sugar into the mashed bananas. Stir until combined before mixing in eggs and vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined—no overmixing here!

Bake to Perfection!: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: While those heavenly bars cool down, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk in a bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Now you’ve got yourself some delightful banana bars topped with luscious cream cheese frosting! Slice them up after they’ve cooled completely, serve them at your next gathering or simply enjoy them while cozying up on your couch.

Enjoy every bite of these scrumptious treats—they’re bound to become an instant favorite!

You Must Know

Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
Don’t skip the cream cheese frosting.
Let them cool completely before slicing.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To perfect your banana bars with cream cheese frosting, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. While they cool, whip up that delicious frosting so you can frost them right away!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a dash of cinnamon for an extra kick. You can also swap out regular cream cheese for flavored varieties like strawberry or vanilla to create a unique twist on your frosting.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover banana bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before enjoying. Just enough time to make them soft again!

Chef's Helpful Tips

Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness; they should have brown spots.
Grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking.
Always taste your frosting before spreading—it should be creamy and perfectly sweet!

I remember the first time I made these banana bars; my friends devoured them within minutes! The joy on their faces as they enjoyed that perfect balance of sweet and tangy was priceless.

FAQ

Can I use frozen bananas in banana bars with cream cheese frosting?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work perfectly and add great flavor.

How long do these banana bars last?

They stay fresh in the fridge for about five days when stored properly.

Can I make these banana bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.

0 Shares