Description
Soft and moist banana bars topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, combining the best of banana bread and cake in one easy-to-make dessert. Perfect for a crowd and a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Bars:
- 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
Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the bars from sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Bananas: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract followed by the mashed bananas, mixing well to combine all the wet ingredients.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture and stir until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Frosting: While bars cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is creamy and lump-free.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled banana bars using a spatula or knife.
- Chill Before Serving: For best results, refrigerate the frosted bars to allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Refrigerate the frosted bars to set the icing, which enhances the flavor and texture.
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- The bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars thoroughly before cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
