Introduction
Tutorial: how to make banana bars with cream cheese frosting — moist banana bread bars + tangy cream cheese frosting. 1 hr.
Ingredients List
- 3 ripe bananas + 1.5 cups flour + 1 cup sugar + 1/2 cup sour cream + 1/2 cup butter softened + 2 eggs + 2 tsp vanilla + 1 tsp baking soda + salt + cinnamon + nutmeg + 1/2 cup walnuts
- 8 oz cream cheese softened + 1/2 cup butter softened + 3.5 cups powdered sugar + vanilla + salt + 2-3 tbsp cream
- Walnuts + cinnamon dust + flaky salt
Timing
Prep 15. Bake 25-30. Cool 15. Frost 5. Total 60 min.
Step 1 — Cream 3 Min
350°F. Greased 9×13. Light fluffy.
Step 2 — Wet
Eggs one at a time + sour cream + vanilla + bananas.
Step 3 — Dry
Whisk dry. 3 additions. Mix just. Walnuts.
Step 4 — Bake 25-30 Min
Toothpick moist crumbs.
Step 5 — Cool 15 Min
COMPLETELY before frosting.
Step 6 — Frost
Cream cheese + butter 3 min. Sugar 1 cup at a time. Vanilla + salt + cream. Spread. Hot knife cuts.
Nutritional Information
- Calories 320 | Protein 4g | Fat 14g | Carbs 48g | Sugar 34g
Healthier Alternatives
Whole wheat. Less sugar. Lower-fat cream cheese. Greek yogurt. No walnuts. Coconut sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Coffee, espresso, chai. Vanilla ice cream. Cellophane gifts. Showers, brunches, picnics.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underripe bananas
- Warm frosting
- Overmixed
- Unsifted sugar
- Cold cream cheese
Storing Tips
5 days fridge (better day 2). Freeze 2 mo. 24 hr unfrosted ahead.
Conclusion
That’s how to make banana bars with cream cheese frosting. Comment your favorite topping, share a photo, subscribe.
FAQs
Banana ripeness? Black-spotted.
Sour cream sub? Greek yogurt.
No frosting? Reduce sugar 1/4 cup.
Make ahead? 24 hr unfrosted.
GF? 1:1 GF flour.
Dry? Overbaked or not enough banana.
Recipe Card: Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep: 15 min | Bake: 25-30 min | Cool: 15 min | Frost: 5 min | Total: 1 hr | Yield: 16 bars | Calories: 320/bar
Ingredients
- Base: 3 ripe bananas mashed + 1.5 cups flour + 1 cup sugar + 1/2 cup sour cream + 1/2 cup butter softened + 2 eggs + 2 tsp vanilla + 1 tsp baking soda + salt + cinnamon + nutmeg + 1/2 cup walnuts
- Frosting: 8 oz cream cheese + 1/2 cup butter + 3.5 cups powdered sugar + 1.5 tsp vanilla + salt + 2-3 tbsp cream
- Topping: chopped walnuts + cinnamon + flaky salt
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar 3 min until pale and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, sour cream, vanilla, mashed bananas.
- Whisk dry; combine in 3 additions; fold in walnuts.
- Bake at 350°F in 9×13 pan for 25-30 min until toothpick has moist crumbs.
- Cool completely in pan (15 min minimum).
- Beat frosting smooth; spread evenly; top with walnuts; cut with hot knife.
Nutrition (per bar)
Calories 320 | Protein 4g | Fat 14g | Carbs 48g | Sugar 34g
