Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Banana Bars topped with a rich and creamy homemade Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for a snack or dessert, these bars combine ripe bananas with a tender cake-like texture, finished with a smooth, sweet frosting that complements every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Bars
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
- ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 medium overripe bananas, mashed
Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
- Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Next, stir in the sour cream, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until evenly blended.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet batter, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add bananas: Fold the mashed overripe bananas into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
- Bake the bars: Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and gradually mix in the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, thin it slightly with a small amount of milk until spreadable.
- Frost the bars: Once the banana bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into 24 squares and serve.
Notes
- For best flavor, use overripe bananas with brown spots as they provide natural sweetness and moisture.
- Ensure the sour cream and buttermilk are at room temperature to avoid curdling when mixed with other ingredients.
- If desired, add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture.
- The bars must be completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Store the frosted banana bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To keep the frosting smooth and spreadable, bring it to room temperature before frosting if refrigerated.
