Name: Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 ½ cups flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup butter, softened; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ tsp vanilla extract

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If you’re a fan of moist, tender banana treats and the tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These bars capture all the best parts of banana bread in a fun, portable form that’s perfect for sharing. The soft banana-infused base pairs perfectly with a rich, smooth frosting, creating a dessert that feels indulgent yet homemade. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a potluck, or just because, these bars are guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a rectangular glass baking dish filled with a cake cut into 20 square pieces. The cake has two main layers: a darker brown bottom layer resembling a moist cake or bread, and a thick top layer of creamy white frosting. Each piece is decorated with a thin banana slice and small walnut pieces scattered on the frosting. One piece has been removed from the dish near the center, showing the texture of the cake inside. A woman's hand is holding one of the cut pieces near the dish. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s adding moisture, sweetness, or that signature creamy finish. You likely have most of these staples on hand already, which means whipping up this delicious dessert is easier than you think!

½ cup butter, softened: Provides rich flavor and keeps the bars wonderfully moist.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the bars just right without overpowering the natural banana taste.
2 eggs: Bind everything together and add structure to the batter.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note enhancing the flavor complexity.
2 ripe bananas, mashed: The star ingredient that brings moisture, sweetness, and that classic banana flavor.
1 ½ cups flour: Forms the base of the bars, giving them their tender crumb.
1 tsp baking soda: Helps the bars rise nicely and become airy.
½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and highlights the other flavors.
4 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates the luscious, tangy frosting topping.
¼ cup butter, softened: Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting.
1 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreadable consistency.
½ tsp vanilla extract (for frosting): Brings out the flavor and ties frosting and bars together.

How to Make Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars once baked.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer or sturdy spoon, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it traps air that helps your bars rise and become delightfully tender.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Bananas

Crack in the eggs, add the vanilla extract, and mix well to combine. Then fold in the mashed bananas. The bananas add moisture and that unmistakable flavor that will make these bars irresistible.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until everything comes together into a smooth batter. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Then, allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 6: Make and Spread the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your bars are cooling, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is silky and spreadable. Once the bars are completely cool, spread this luscious frosting evenly over the top.

How to Serve Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A close-up of a square brown cake with visible small bits inside, topped with a thick, light beige frosting spread evenly. One piece is lifted, showing the moist texture inside, while the rest of the cake remains on a metal cooling rack. The background features a white marbled surface, with some kitchen items and bananas blurred behind. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting. These add a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted chocolate can also elevate the presentation.

Side Dishes

These banana bars are wonderful on their own but pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more wholesome dessert, serve alongside fresh berries or a bright fruit salad to balance the rich frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into bite-sized squares for serving at parties or events, making them easy for guests to enjoy. You can also skewer them with fruit chunks on a dessert kebab or layer them with cream and berries in a trifle bowl for a stunning, layered treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep the banana bars covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the cream cheese frosting fresh and prevents the bars from drying out, maintaining their perfect texture for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then frost just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

If you prefer warm banana bars, gently microwave a slice for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid reheating with frosting on to prevent melting—add it fresh after warming for a perfect balance of warm bars and cool frosting.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually ideal because they are sweeter and softer, resulting in moister and more flavorful bars.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help maintain texture.

How long does the cream cheese frosting stay good?

The frosting is best consumed within 4 days when refrigerated. Its fresh, tangy flavor and creamy texture are at their peak during this time.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

You can prepare the frosting a day ahead and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature and beat it again before spreading on the bars.

What else can I add to the batter to mix things up?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a handful of shredded coconut to the batter for extra texture and flavor twists that still complement the banana and cream cheese combo.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and joyful about this Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that it’s hard not to smile with each bite. Easy to make, perfect for sharing, and utterly delicious, these bars really check all the boxes of a beloved homemade dessert. I can’t wait for you to try them and see just how quickly they disappear from your kitchen!