Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
Plate of moist banana bars with creamy cream cheese frosting, garnished with banana slices and walnuts, ready to serve.

Banana Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting: My Go-To Family Treat

A family-friendly, beginner-friendly dessert that’s soft, moist, and topped with brown butter cream cheese frosting. These banana bars make the best use of overripe bananas and are perfect for any occasion, from busy weeknights to school events.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars

Ingredients

  • For the Banana Bars:
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups mashed VERY ripe bananas (3–4 bananas)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • For the Brown-Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • ½ cup butter
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 15x10x1 inch pan. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy and pale.
  2. Add eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas. Mix until just combined.
  3. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, then fold gently into the wet mixture.
  4. Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for about 25 minutes. Check with a toothpick. Let bars cool completely.
  5. For frosting: Melt butter and cook until golden and nutty. Let it cool slightly, then mix with cream cheese and powdered sugar. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt.
  6. Spread frosting generously over cooled bars. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor. Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bars light and fluffy. If you want thicker bars, bake them in a 9×13 inch pan and adjust the baking time.

  • Author: oma ella
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert / Bars
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American