Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting (1-Hour Soft Banana Bread Bars)

Tutorial: how to make banana bars with cream cheese frosting — moist banana base + tangy frosting in 1 hr. Better than banana bread.

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

Close-up of a banana bar showing tender moist banana cake interior, cinnamon flecks, and silky cream cheese frosting Save

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

  1. Cream butter and sugar 3 min until pale and fluffy.
  2. Beat in eggs, sour cream, vanilla, mashed bananas.
  3. Whisk dry; combine in 3 additions; fold in walnuts.
  4. Bake at 350°F in 9×13 pan for 25-30 min until toothpick has moist crumbs.
  5. Cool completely in pan (15 min minimum).
  6. 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

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