Let me tell you, nothing says comfort like a warm tray of *banana bars with cream cheese frosting*! These bars are the perfect blend of sweet, ripe bananas and that luscious, creamy frosting that just melts in your mouth. They’re not only a treat for your taste buds but also a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Trust me, once you whip these up, they’ll become a family favorite at gatherings or just as a quick after-school snack. The best part? They’re so easy to make that you’ll find yourself baking them on a whim. Imagine cutting into a soft, moist bar topped with that smooth cream cheese frosting—pure bliss! So, grab those bananas and let’s get started on this delicious journey!
Ingredients List
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare *Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting*
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these scrumptious *banana bars with cream cheese frosting*! I promise you, it’s as easy as pie (or should I say, bars!). Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delightful treat that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be nice and hot when we’re ready to bake!
- In a large mixing bowl, grab those ripe bananas and mash them up. You want them nice and smooth, so don’t be shy! Add in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, and mix until well combined.
- Next, add the softened butter to the banana mixture. Seriously, it’s gonna add so much flavor! Mix it all together until it’s creamy and smooth.
- Now, crack in those two eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix it again until everything is fully incorporated. It should smell heavenly already!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps ensure that all those dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing any surprises later on.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix it! You want those bars to be light and fluffy.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. It should look so good already, right?
- Pop the pan into your preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Yum!
- Once they’re baked to perfection, take them out and let them cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. It’s important to let them cool completely before frosting, or you’ll have a melty mess!
And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’re on your way to creating the most delicious banana bars topped with creamy frosting. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: You can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for those last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
- Easy to make: With simple steps and basic ingredients, even beginner bakers will feel like pros in the kitchen!
- Deliciously moist: Thanks to those ripe bananas, these bars are incredibly moist and flavorful—every bite is a little piece of heaven!
- Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a family reunion, a potluck, or just a cozy get-together, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Can be made ahead of time: Bake them a day or two in advance, and you’ll have a sweet treat ready to go whenever you need it!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to whip up those *banana bars with cream cheese frosting*, let me share some of my best tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!
- Use ripe bananas: This is key! The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots—they’re just begging to be mashed!
- Measure ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, and using the right measurements can make a big difference. I always recommend using a kitchen scale for the most precision, especially for flour.
- Don’t overmix the batter: It’s tempting to mix until everything is perfectly smooth, but overmixing can lead to dense bars. Just stir until the dry ingredients are incorporated, and you’ll be golden!
- Cool before frosting: Trust me on this one! If you frost while the bars are still warm, you’ll end up with a gooey mess. Let them cool completely on a wire rack for the best results.
- Frosting technique: For that perfect cream cheese frosting, make sure your cream cheese is softened. I like to beat it until it’s super creamy before adding in the powdered sugar. It’ll spread like a dream on your cooled bars!
- Add a sprinkle of fun: If you want to jazz things up, consider topping your frosted bars with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel. It adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create some truly fabulous banana bars that everyone will adore. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying delicious *banana bars with cream cheese frosting*, it’s good to have an idea of what you’re indulging in. However, keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The following values are approximate and based on a serving size of one bar:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Enjoy these bars as part of a well-rounded diet, and don’t hesitate to share them with friends and family! They’re so good, you might just want to keep the whole batch to yourself!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delightful *banana bars with cream cheese frosting*? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my answers to help you along the way.
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas can be even sweeter, making your bars that much more delicious!
How should I store leftover banana bars?
Store your *banana bars with cream cheese frosting* in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 3-5 days—if they last that long!
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just check that your baking powder is gluten-free too, and you’re good to go!
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
No worries! You can make a simple buttercream frosting with just butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk or vanilla extract. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be tasty!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips make fantastic additions. Just fold them in gently after mixing your batter to keep those bars fluffy and light!
Hopefully, these answers help you feel more confident in making your *banana bars with cream cheese frosting*. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After you’ve enjoyed your delicious *banana bars with cream cheese frosting*, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if they last that long!). Don’t worry; I’ve got the perfect tips for storing and reheating them so you can savor every last bite!
To store your banana bars, simply place them in an airtight container. If you want to keep that creamy frosting intact, I recommend separating the bars from the frosting. You can frost them right before serving for the best texture! If you do choose to store them frosted, just be sure to layer some parchment paper between the bars to avoid any sticky situations.
In the fridge, your *banana bars with cream cheese frosting* will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Now, if you want to reheat a bar for that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, here’s my favorite method: pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Just enough to warm it through without melting the frosting completely! If you prefer, you can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes—this keeps them nice and soft while preserving that delightful creaminess.
With these tips, you can enjoy your *banana bars with cream cheese frosting* even days after baking. Trust me, they taste just as good (if not better) the next day!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your delightful *banana bars with cream cheese frosting*, there are some fabulous pairings that can elevate the whole dessert experience! Trust me, these ideas will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream: There’s something magical about the combination of warm banana bars and cold, creamy vanilla ice cream. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dessert that feels indulgent and satisfying.
- Fresh fruit: Slices of strawberries, blueberries, or even a mix of tropical fruits can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bars. Plus, they look so pretty on the plate!
- Coffee or tea: Enjoying a warm cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea alongside your banana bars makes for a cozy afternoon treat. The warmth of the drink complements the sweetness of the bars perfectly!
- Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of your frosted bars takes them to the next level. It adds an extra layer of creaminess that’s simply divine!
- Chocolate drizzle: For all the chocolate lovers out there, consider drizzling a bit of melted chocolate over your banana bars. It adds a rich, decadent touch that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese frosting.
These serving suggestions not only enhance the flavors of your *banana bars with cream cheese frosting*, but they also make for a delightful presentation. So, gather your friends and family, and enjoy these sweet treats together!
Imprimer
Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: Sweet Bliss Awaits
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 12 bars 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious banana bars topped with creamy frosting.
Ingrédients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix mashed bananas, sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add softened butter and mix well.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine dry ingredients with banana mixture.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before frosting.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use ripe bananas for better flavor.
- Frosting can be made ahead of time.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: banana bars, cream cheese frosting, dessert