Moist Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting – The Ultimate Banana Dessert Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a bunch of overripe bananas wondering what to do with them, this recipe is your golden ticket. These Moist Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are rich, tender, and bursting with banana flavor. Topped with a smooth, sweet, and tangy cream cheese frosting, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion — from casual family gatherings to elegant celebrations. This article will guide you through every detail of making these irresistible bars, along with expert baking tips, delicious variations, and answers to your most common questions. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe easy, rewarding, and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These banana bars are more than just a sweet treat — they’re the perfect way to use up leftover bananas and create a dessert that everyone loves.
Perfect for Overripe Bananas: A tasty and economical way to prevent food waste.
Quick and Easy: Ready in less than an hour with simple pantry ingredients.
Soft, Moist, and Fluffy: A melt-in-your-mouth texture with a rich banana aroma.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, picnics, or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bars
3 ripe bananas (mashed)
½ cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add softened butter and mix until creamy and well blended.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is light and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, mixing just until combined — do not overmix.
Step 5: Add Nuts (Optional)
Fold in the chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Once the banana bars are fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, dessert-like twist.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top of the batter before baking and swirl gently with a knife.
Coconut Banana Bars: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flair.
Maple Banana Bars: Replace the sugar with brown sugar and add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup for deep, caramelized flavor.
Vegan Banana Bars: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and dairy-free butter and cream cheese.
Expert Tips for Perfect Banana Bars
Use overripe bananas — the darker the skin, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth, well-mixed batter and creamy frosting.
Avoid overmixing to keep the bars light and tender.
Check for doneness starting at 25 minutes, as ovens vary.
Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using cold butter or eggs can lead to a dense texture.
Skipping the cooling step causes frosting to slide off.
Overbaking dries out the bars — watch the clock closely.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Top with banana slices or berries for a colorful finish.
Pair with vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a decadent dessert.
Cut into bite-sized squares for parties or dessert trays.
FAQs
Q1: Can I freeze banana bars?
Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil after cooling. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Q2: How long do banana bars last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they last 5–7 days.
Q3: Can I skip the frosting?
Absolutely. The bars are delicious even without frosting.
Q4: What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?
Try a vanilla glaze, chocolate ganache, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Q5: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
Estimated Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 290
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 28g
Fiber: 1g
(Note: Nutrition values may vary based on ingredients and serving size.)
Conclusion
These Moist Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate comfort dessert — soft, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with creamy frosting. Whether you serve them as a quick snack, breakfast treat, or elegant dessert, they’re guaranteed to become a favorite. Try this easy and delicious recipe today and enjoy turning simple ripe bananas into something truly irresistible!