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Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting for Sweet Joy

Delicious Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, perfect for any gathering or cozy evening at home.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Banana Bars
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour if desired.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Acts as a leavening agent; ensure it's fresh for the best rise.
  • ½ teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor; omit for a low-sodium version.
  • ½ cup Butter (softened) Adds moisture and richness; can be replaced with margarine or a dairy-free alternative.
  • 1 ½ cups White Sugar Sweetens and aids browning; try brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
  • 2 units Eggs Binds the ingredients together; flax eggs are a great vegan substitute.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Contributes moisture and tang; Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Adds depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Banana Extract Intensifies the banana flavor; can be omitted if necessary.
  • 1 cup Mashed Ripe Bananas Provides natural sweetness and moisture; very ripe bananas yield the best results.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened) The key ingredient for rich frosting.
  • ½ cup Butter (softened) Used for creaminess in frosting; works well with the cream cheese.
  • 2 cups Confectioners’ Sugar (sifted) Sweetens and thickens the frosting for the perfect texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Adds flavor and complements the cream cheese delightfully.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Stand mixer or mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • spatula
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it with butter and lining it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt until evenly combined.
  3. In a stand mixer or a large bowl, beat together ½ cup of softened butter and 1 ½ cups of white sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 cup of sour cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of banana extract.
  4. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined. Then gently fold in 1 cup of mashed ripe bananas.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 22-25 minutes.
  6. In a mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of softened butter together until smooth. Gradually add 2 cups of sifted confectioners’ sugar and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  7. Once the banana bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow the bars to cool completely before applying the cream cheese frosting to prevent melting and ensure a seamless spread.

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