Banana Bars with Cream are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich cream cheese frosting. These bars are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly moist and flavorful, making them a favorite for gatherings or a simple indulgence at home. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving a satisfying sweetness that will make you crave more. Whether you call them banana dessert bars or banana cake bars with cream, these bars are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bars with Cream

There are countless reasons to love Banana Bars with Cream. First, they are incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers. Second, these banana bread bars are a perfect way to use overripe bananas, reducing food waste. With a moist texture and rich creamy frosting, these bars offer a delightful balance of flavor. Additionally, you can customize them with nuts or chocolate chips, making them versatile. If you are looking for healthy banana bars with yogurt instead of sour cream, this recipe can easily adapt. These bars fit any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive celebration.

Ingredients for Banana Bars with Cream

Gather these items:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened (for frosting)
2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
3 3/4 to 4 cups confectioners’ sugar (for frosting)

How to Make Banana Bars with Cream Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing until combined.
Step 3: Stir in the mashed bananas until evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Spread the batter into a greased 15×10-inch baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely.
Step 5: For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.
Step 6: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on the cooled banana bars and serve.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Banana Bars with Cream

Keep these in mind:

Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum flavor.
Don’t overmix after adding the flour to keep the bars tender.
For a lighter bar, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Experiment with add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.

Best Ways to Serve Banana Bars with Cream

These banana dessert bars are delicious on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun twist, serve them warm with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or topped with whipped cream for an indulgent treat. They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect afternoon snack.

How to Store and Reheat Banana Bars with Cream

To store leftovers, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds until warm. For meal prep, these bars can be made ahead and frozen, allowing you to enjoy them anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Bars with Cream

What’s the secret to perfect Banana Bars with Cream?

The secret lies in using very ripe bananas, which adds natural sweetness and moisture. Also, don’t overmix your batter to ensure they remain tender and fluffy.

Can I make Banana Bars with Cream ahead of time?

Yes! These bars can be baked in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just frost them right before serving for the best flavor and texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Banana Bars with Cream?

To avoid common mistakes, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature and measure accurately. This will help achieve the perfect texture and flavor.

Variations of Banana Bars with Cream You Can Try

Get creative with these variations:

Gluten-free banana bars with cream: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Banana oatmeal bars with cream topping: Add oats to the mixture for a heartier texture.
No-bake banana bars with cream: Create a version with a graham cracker crust and a banana filling, topped with cream.
Banana nut bars with cream drizzle: Incorporate chopped nuts into the batter for added crunch and flavor.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try Cranberry Orange Pancakes for a delightful breakfast option. If you’re interested in more banana recipes, check out our Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls for a sweet twist!

Banana Bars with Cream: 12 Irresistible Recipes to Try

Author: basmer
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a moist and flavorful dessert that combines ripe bananas with a tangy, rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for gatherings or as a simple treat, these bars are easy to prepare and loved by everyone.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing until combined.
Stir in the mashed bananas until evenly incorporated.
Spread the batter into a greased 15×10-inch baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on the cooled banana bars and serve.