Banana Bread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Have a few ripe bananas to use up? These Banana Bread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, moist, and baked in a 9×13 pan for an easy dessert, snack, or breakfast. With all the flavor of classic banana bread and a rich homemade cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for sharing at potlucks, holidays, or family gatherings.

Don’t you just love a recipe that comes together quickly and makes plenty for everyone? I know I sure do! These easy Banana Bread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are baked in a 9×13 pan, making them perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you need a simple dessert. They have all the flavor of classic banana bread with a soft, cake-like texture and a rich homemade cream cheese frosting. If you love baking with ripe bananas, be sure to try my Cinnamon Crumble Banana Bread and Banana Bread Coffee Cake too.

Ingredient Notes

Made with simple ingredients, these easy Banana Bread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect way to use up ripe or overripe bananas. See the printable recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact measurements.

Banana Bread Bars

• Applesauce: I love using cinnamon applesauce because it adds a subtle warm spice while helping keep the bars soft and moist. Unsweetened applesauce works just as well.
• Bananas: Use ripe or overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best banana flavor and natural sweetness. You’ll need about 2 cups mashed (3-4 medium bananas). Have extra ripe bananas? They’re also perfect for my Cast Iron Skillet Banana Bread.
• Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream gives these banana bars their soft, tender texture. Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted if needed.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend also works well.
• Walnuts: Optional, but they add great crunch and texture. Chopped pecans are another delicious option.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream Cheese: Use block-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature, for the smoothest frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Also called confectioners’ sugar, this sweetens the frosting while keeping it light and creamy.

Variations

• Chocolate Chips: Stir 1 to 2 cups of semi-sweet or mini chocolate chips into the batter for an extra sweet treat.
• Nuts: Swap the chopped walnuts for pecans, or leave the nuts out altogether if preferred. If you love baking with nuts, don’t miss my Banana Pecan Muffins, another family favorite packed with banana flavor.
• Sour Cream: Plain Greek yogurt can be used in place of the sour cream with similar results.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: For a thinner frosting, stir in 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Extra Toppings: Finish with a drizzle of caramel or melted chocolate for an easy dessert. If you love cream cheese frosting, don’t miss my Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.

How to Make Banana Bread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer to combine the butter, applesauce, sugars, eggs, and vanilla.

Step 2. Add the mashed bananas and sour cream, mixing just until combined.

Step 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Step 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7. While the bars cool, beat the cream cheese frosting ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Step 8. Once the bars have completely cooled, spread evenly with the cream cheese frosting, sprinkle with chopped walnuts, if desired, and slice into 24 bars.

Expert Tips

These simple tips will help you make soft, moist banana bars every time.

• Use ripe bananas: Bananas with lots of brown spots have the best banana flavor and mash easily into the batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to keep the banana bars soft and tender.
• Check for doneness: Start checking the bars around the 25-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Cool completely before frosting: Let the bars cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting so it stays smooth and doesn’t melt.
• Use room temperature cream cheese: Softened cream cheese blends into a smooth, creamy frosting without lumps.

Storage & Make-Ahead

These Banana Bread Bars are perfect for making ahead and taste just as delicious the next day!

• Refrigerator: Because of the cream cheese frosting, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Freeze frosted or unfrosted bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Make Ahead: Bake the banana bars 1 day in advance and frost them once they’re completely cooled. Or, prepare the cream cheese frosting ahead of time and refrigerate it separately until ready to use.
• Serving Tip: For the best texture, let refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Looking for another make-ahead breakfast? My Banana Cream Cheese Muffins freeze beautifully and are perfect for busy mornings.

Banana Bread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs

More Banana Recipes You’ll Love

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