Banana Bars Recipe With Cream Cheese Frosting
Banana bars with cream cheese frosting are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert. These bars are the perfect combination of sweet and creamy, and they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you're looking for a dessert to bring to a potluck or a special treat for your family, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients
The ingredients you will need for this recipe are:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the cream cheese frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Follow these steps to make the banana bars:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bars comes out clean.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let cool completely before frosting.
To make the cream cheese frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled banana bars.
Variations
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations:
- Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for a crunchy texture.
- Replace the vanilla extract in the frosting with almond or coconut extract for a different flavor.
- Top the bars with sliced bananas or toasted coconut before serving.
Storage
You can store the banana bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let the bars come to room temperature on the counter.
Conclusion
Banana bars with cream cheese frosting are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is sure to please. Whether you're serving them for a special occasion or just as a sweet treat for your family, these bars are sure to be a hit. Try them out today and enjoy!