Soft, Moist, and Topped with the Dreamiest Cream Cheese Frosting!
Kitchies! If you’ve ever found yourself with a bunch of overripe bananas sitting on your counter, this is the recipe you need. These Easy Frosted Banana Bars are soft, buttery, and packed with that sweet banana goodness we all love. But the best part? They’re topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting that takes them over the top.
I love this recipe because it’s simple, fuss-free, and always a hit at gatherings. Whether you’re making them for a casual family dessert, a bake sale, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these bars come together in no time. Plus, they taste like a cross between banana bread and a frosted sheet cake—pure heaven!
The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment. Just mix, bake, frost, and devour! If you love banana bread but want something a little extra special, these frosted banana bars are your new best friend.
Why You’ll Love These Frosted Banana Bars
These bars are the perfect way to use up overripe bananas while making something absolutely delicious. They’re ultra-soft, packed with banana flavor, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Plus, they’re easy to make in just one bowl, making them a go-to for busy days.
The combination of moist banana cake and rich, tangy frosting makes every bite totally irresistible. They’re also great for parties, since you can cut them into bars and serve them as a grab-and-go treat.
How These Became a Family Favorite
The first time I made these, my husband walked into the kitchen and said, “Something smells amazing.” I pulled the warm pan out of the oven, spread on the cream cheese frosting, and within minutes, he had eaten three bars in a row.
Now, they’re a staple in our house! Whether it’s for a quick weekday treat or a family gathering, these banana bars are always a crowd-pleaser. I even make an extra batch and freeze them—they disappear just as quickly!
Why These Easy Frosted Banana Bars Are So Good
- Super soft & moist – Thanks to mashed bananas and just the right amount of butter.
- One-bowl recipe – No need for complicated steps or multiple dishes!
- Perfectly spiced – Just a hint of cinnamon for warmth.
- Dreamy cream cheese frosting – Rich, tangy, and perfectly sweet.
- Great for any occasion – Breakfast, snack, or dessert!
Cuisine: American
Tips for the Best Banana Bars
- Use overripe bananas – The more brown spots, the better! Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter – Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bars soft.
- Let the bars cool completely – If they’re still warm, the frosting will melt and become runny.
- Chill before serving – For the best flavor, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes before slicing.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap the frosting – Use a simple vanilla glaze instead of cream cheese frosting.
- Add nuts – Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch.
- Make them dairy-free – Use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Turn them into cupcakes – Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 15-18 minutes.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use whole wheat flour – Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat.
- Reduce the sugar – Cut the sugar by ¼ cup for a less sweet version.
- Swap the butter – Use unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat alternative.
- Make a Greek yogurt frosting – Mix Greek yogurt with honey for a lighter topping.
And there you have it!
Soft, moist, and totally irresistible Easy Frosted Banana Bars that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a family treat or a potluck, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try them out and let me know how they turn out—I’d love to hear from you!
Relevant Categories:
Dessert, Snack, Kid-Friendly Recipes, Potluck Favorites
Tags:
banana bars, easy banana dessert, cream cheese frosting, one-bowl recipe, banana bread alternative
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! They stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge, covered.
2. Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! Freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months, then frost when ready to serve.
3. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes! Brown sugar adds extra moisture and a caramel-like flavor.
4. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Bake in a larger pan or make two batches.
6. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.
7. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Try a simple buttercream or dust the bars with powdered sugar.
Easy Frosted Banana Bars
Description
These Easy Frosted Banana Bars are soft, buttery, and packed with that sweet banana goodness we all love.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bars:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but recommended)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled banana bars. Slice into squares and serve!
