Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, decadent banana bar topped with luxuriously smooth cream cheese icing – a dessert that transforms ordinary bananas into an extraordinary culinary experience. These aren't just any ordinary bars; they're a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible treats that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these banana bars promise to be your new go-to dessert that combines comfort food nostalgia with gourmet sophistication.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes.
- Add mashed ripe bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can result in tough bars.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, approximately 1 hour.
- For the cream cheese icing, beat softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, mixing until the icing reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top.
- Cut into 12 equal bars, and serve at room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Use overripe bananas for maximum flavor and natural sweetness – the browner and spottier, the better!
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture.
- Don't overmix the batter; mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the bars tender.
- For perfectly even bars, use a offset spatula to spread the batter in the pan.
- Let the bars cool completely before icing to prevent the cream cheese from melting.
- For a professional look, use a piping bag or the back of a spoon to spread the cream cheese icing evenly.
- Store bars in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese icing fresh and firm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
