Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, moist, and full of rich banana flavor, topped with a smooth and tangy frosting. This easy dessert is perfect for using ripe bananas and creates a crowd-pleasing treat that’s great for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars are incredibly tender and packed with natural sweetness from ripe bananas. The cream cheese frosting adds a luscious, slightly tangy contrast that makes every bite irresistible. Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are simple to make, family-friendly, and perfect for gatherings or everyday baking.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bars:
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine dry ingredients with wet mixture until just blended.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
- To make frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix until creamy.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. These Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are ready to slice and serve.
Tips & Tricks
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor
- Do not overmix to keep bars soft
- Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts
- Add chopped walnuts for texture
- Lightly toast nuts before adding for extra flavor
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
Notes
- Swap butter with oil for a softer texture
- Add cinnamon for a warm flavor twist
- Store frosting separately if making ahead
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 14g
FAQ
Can I freeze banana bars?
Yes, freeze without frosting for best results.
Can I reduce sugar?
Yes, slightly reduce since bananas add natural sweetness.
How ripe should bananas be?
Very ripe with brown spots for best flavor.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Do I need to refrigerate them?
Yes, due to the cream cheese frosting.
Storage
Store Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months.
Similar Recipes
Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the Banana Bars:
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine dry ingredients with wet mixture until just blended.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
- To make frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix until creamy.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. These Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are ready to slice and serve.
Notes
- Swap butter with oil for a softer texture
- Add cinnamon for a warm flavor twist
- Store frosting separately if making ahead
Conclusion
Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a classic, comforting dessert that’s easy to prepare and always satisfying. With their soft texture and rich frosting, they’re perfect for sharing or enjoying as a sweet treat anytime.