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Frosted Banana Bars Recipe

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These Frosted Banana Bars are soft, moist, and full of sweet banana flavor with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. They are an easy crowd-pleasing dessert for parties, potlucks, or using up ripe bananas.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 10×15-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and creamy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas until evenly combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir just until combined, taking care not to overmix.
  7. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, making sure it reaches the corners.
  8. Bake for 22 to 27 minutes, or until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Remove the pan from the oven and let the banana bars cool completely.
  10. For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  11. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, then add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until light and smooth.
  12. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the completely cooled banana bars.
  13. Cut into 24 squares or rectangles and serve.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the sweetest flavor and moistest texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour and do not overbake the bars.
  • For Banana Walnut Bars, fold about 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
  • For Chocolate Chip Banana Bars, fold semisweet or milk chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
  • For extra warmth, add cinnamon and a small pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
  • Make sure the bars are completely cool before frosting so the cream cheese frosting does not melt.
  • Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/frosted-banana-bars-recipe/