Banana Bars

Banana Bars topped with cream cheese frosting that are so soft and tender! This is a trusted family favorite, is no fail and always a hit no matter where you bring it or who you share them with! If you are wondering what to do with your over ripe bananas on the counter, this is the answer.

These banana bars with cream cheese frosting are a long-time family favorite. I mean, what’s not to love? Tender cream cheese frosted banana bars is a match made in heaven! They are always the first dessert to disappear when I make them and it’s probably one of the most requested sweet treats I get from my family right along with my famous banana bread!

They are so easy to make and this banana bars recipe makes a big batch so it’s a great dessert to make for potlucks and other events just like this banana split trifle and this no bake banana cream pie. Plus, they go over well any time of the year! So if you have a few overripe bananas laying around I highly recommend trying this recipe out. Everyone loves when I make these bars.

why you’ll love this recipe

• Put your overripe bananas to good use instead of wasting them or stuffing them into the depths of your freezer.
• These bars are perfect for a little afternoon treat with a coffee or tea.
• These freeze really well so you can double up the batch and save some for another occasion.

ingredients for banana bars

Bars

• Butter – Softened butter will mix in more consistently. Leave out overnight to come to room temperature.
• Sugar – Granulated white sugar adds sweetness to these yummy bars.
• Eggs – Eggs bind everything together.
• Overripe bananas – The riper the better!
• Vanilla extract – Adds a depth of flavor.
• All-purpose flour – A regular white flour works best for this banana bar recipe.
• Baking soda – This is the leavening agent for these bars.
• Salt – All you need is a pinch to balance the flavors.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• Butter – Every good frosting starts with butter!
• Softened cream cheese – Make sure this is room temperature so it blends nice and smooth.
• Powdered sugar – The best sweetener for any frosting because it dissolves so well.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances that creamy frosting flavor.

add-in ideas

You can customize these banana bars with your favorite add-ins or different kinds of frosting! Here are some great ideas:

• Instead of cream cheese frosting, try brown butter frosting, peanut butter frosting, chocolate frosting or another frosting that you love!
• Add fresh fruit like blueberries, chopped strawberries, or raspberries to the batter before you bake the bars.
• Stir in semi-sweet, white or dark chocolate chips into the batter.
• Add some chopped nuts like walnuts, peanuts, pecans or almonds.

how to bake banana bars

Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl with a hand mixer or in a stand mixer. Add the eggs, bananas, and vanilla and mix until smooth.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ones and stir until combined.

Pour the batter into a greased 15x10x1″ baking pan. Bake the bars for 25 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or until they test done. Cool the bars in the baking pan.

To make the frosting, cream the butter and cream cheese in a bowl. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat well to combine. Spread the frosting over the cooled banana bars. Slice and serve!

how to store banana bars

Fridge: Once you’ve made and frosted the bars they will need to be kept in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese frosting. They will keep for a few days, but be sure to keep them in an airtight container.

Freezer: You can also freeze the bars (even if they’re frosted!) for up to two months. Just be sure to tightly wrap them and then put them in a freezer safe airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator.

These are always a hit and they’re such a great way to use up those ripe bananas. If you’re looking for more banana recipes be sure to check out a few more of our favorites!

how to serve banana bars

Cut your bars to your desired size. If you have any bananas that are not overripe but also not so firm that you can’t eat them, top each bar with a slice or two of banana to serve. Don’t top too many of them ahead of time, or the bananas will turn brown and soft.

These banana bars are great at coffee time so put on a pot of joe or heat up the kettle! If the weather is feeling warm, an Arnold Palmer might be just what you need to accompany this sweet treat!

More great ways to use overripe bananas

• With only pantry staples this tender, delicious Banana Bread might be the BEST EVER! It also freezes great!
• Tender, fluffy banana bread loaded with chocolate! Double Chocolate Banana Bread will cure that chocolate craving!
• Loaded with healthy ingredients Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups will fill you up and keep you full, plus a little chocolate to fix your sweet tooth!
• Loaded with flavor from mashed bananas and white chocolate chips then topped with brown sugar and slivered almonds, Banana Coffee Cake is perfect for a coffee hour treat, snack or dessert!