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Banana Bars

Banana Bars

Craving something sweet and moist? Try these Banana Bars! With their rich banana flavor and creamy frosting, they are perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, they are a must-try for your next dessert!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Butter, softened (1 stick)
  • 2 cups Granulated sugar
  • 3 Eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups Mashed ripe banana (about 3 medium)
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
  • 1 (8 ounce) package Cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup Butter, softened (1 stick)
  • 4 cups Powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 15-inch x 10-inch jelly roll pan

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. This temperature is perfect for baking your bars evenly. Ensure your oven is fully heated before placing the batter inside.
  2. Coat a 15-inch x 10-inch x 1-inch jelly roll pan with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make for easy removal once baked.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. This dry mixture is essential for the structure and flavor of your bars.
  4. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with an electric hand mixer on medium-high speed, beat 1/2 cup softened butter and 2 cups granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This process incorporates air, making the bars light.
  5. Add the 3 eggs and beat until well incorporated. They add moisture and richness to the batter.
  6. Beat in the 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until fully combined. This step infuses your batter with delicious banana flavor.
  7. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture. Mix until uniformly combined, ensuring not to overmix; this keeps your bars tender.
  8. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to ensure it’s level.
  9. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few crumbs attached. This is crucial to avoid overbaking your bars.
  10. Once baked, remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This helps set the bars.
  11. In a stand mixer, beat 1 (8 ounce) package of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup softened butter until smooth. This creates the creamy frosting.
  12. Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low and gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat well until fluffy.
  13. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. The frosting is the perfect finishing touch to your delicious creation!

Notes

  • Jelly roll pan: To get the ideal cake-to-frosting ratio, bake this cake in a 10-inch by 15-inch jelly roll pan.
  • Mashed ripe bananas: If frozen, thaw on the counter while you prep the other ingredients. To ripen bananas in real time, preheat the oven to 300 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil. Arrange the unpeeled bananas on the baking sheet. Bake until banana skins are completely black all over, about 15 to 20 minutes. Cool. Scoop the banana pulp from the peel, then mash.
  • Yield: This recipe makes 24 squares, 2 1/2-inch by 2 1/2-inch each, cut in a 4×6 configuration. Obviously, you can cut the bars however you want!
  • Storage: Refrigerate any uneaten bars within 2 hours and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can bring them to room temperature before serving or eat them cold (I personally love cold cream cheese frosting).