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Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in Moist Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Delight in these Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, a perfect blend of moist bananas and rich, creamy icing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bars
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure; ensure proper measuring for fluffiness.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Acts as a leavening agent to give the bars lift.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor balance and complements the sweetness of the bananas.
  • 1 cup Butter (Softened) Adds richness and moisture; can substitute with margarine if needed.
  • 2 cups White Sugar Sweetens and helps retain moisture; reduce for a less sweet bar.
  • 2 large Eggs Bind ingredients and add structure; applesauce can substitute for moisture.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Contributes moisture and a slight tang; Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Enhances overall flavor; use pure extract for a more robust taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Banana Extract Intensifies banana flavor; optional if using very ripe bananas.
  • 1.5 cups Mashed Ripe Bananas Provides natural sweetness and moisture; overripe bananas yield the best flavor.
For the Frosting
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Softened) Forms the base of the frosting, lending it a creamy texture.
  • 0.5 cup Butter or Margarine (Softened) Adds richness; opt for unsalted butter for the best flavor.
  • 3-4 cups Confectioners' Sugar Sweetens and ensures a smooth consistency; adjust quantities for preferred sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for frosting) Adds depth and flavor to the creamy topping.

Equipment

  • stand mixer
  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • mixing bowls
  • spatula
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter and line it with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 0.5 teaspoon of salt.
  3. Step 3: Beat 1 cup of softened butter and 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 eggs, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and optional banana extract, mixing until combined.
  4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet batter, stopping when just combined. Fold in 1.5 cups of mashed ripe bananas.
  5. Step 5: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Step 6: Cool the bars in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift them out using parchment overhang and cool completely on a wire rack.
  7. Step 7: For the frosting, beat together 8 ounces of cream cheese and 0.5 cup of butter until smooth. Gradually add in 3-4 cups of confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fluffy.
  8. Step 8: Once cooled, frost the banana bars generously with the cream cheese frosting.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

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