The Ultimate Banana Bars Recipe: Moist, Flavorful, and Topped with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the delectable goodness of banana bars with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. This crowd-pleasing dessert is a
delightful way to use up ripe bananas and is perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply enjoying as a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
To create the best ever banana bars with cream cheese frosting, gather the following ingredients:
For the Banana Bars:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2.In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract,
and mix until well combined.
3.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana
mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
4.Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
5.Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The banana bars
should be golden brown and slightly pulling away from the edges of the pan.
6.While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter
until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy.
7.Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or a piping bag.
8.Cut the bars into squares and serve. They can be enjoyed immediately or refrigerated for a firmer texture.
Expert Tips:
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The bananas should have brown spots on the peel, indicating they are fully ripe.
- To enhance the flavor of the bars, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter before baking.
- For a touch of elegance, you can sprinkle some additional chopped nuts or grated chocolate on top of the cream cheese frosting before
serving.
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You have mastered the art of making the best ever banana bars with cream cheese frosting. These moist and flavorful
bars will undoubtedly become a favorite among your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply craving a
delightful dessert, these bars are sure to impress. Enjoy every bite of this irresistible treat!
FAQ
Q: What are banana bars?
A: Banana bars are a delicious baked treat made with ripe bananas. They have a soft and moist texture, similar to cake or brownies, and
are often topped with cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of glaze.
Q: How ripe should the bananas be for banana bars?
A: The best bananas for banana bars are ripe to overripe. Look for bananas with brown spots on the peel, as they are sweeter and will
provide a stronger banana flavor to the bars.
Q: Can I use frozen bananas for banana bars?
A: Yes, frozen bananas can be used to make banana bars. Thaw the frozen bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before
mashing and incorporating them into the recipe.
Q: Can I substitute butter with oil in banana bars?
A: Yes, you can substitute butter with an equal amount of oil, such as vegetable oil or melted coconut oil, in banana bars. However, keep
in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
Q: Can I make banana bars without eggs?
A: Yes, you can make eggless banana bars by using egg substitutes such as mashed bananas, applesauce, yogurt, or commercially
available egg replacers. These substitutes help bind the ingredients and provide moisture.
Q: How should I store banana ?
A: Banana should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can
refrigerate them for up to a week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I freeze banana bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze banana bars for future enjoyment. Ensure they are completely cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil
and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator or at room
temperature before serving.
Q: Can I make banana bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, banana bars can be made ahead of time. You can bake them, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container
until ready to serve. Frosting can be added just before serving or stored separately and applied when needed.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to bars?
A: Absolutely! bars can be customized by adding ingredients such as chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), chocolate chips, shredded
coconut, or dried fruits. These additions add texture and flavor to the bars.
Q: Can I make banana gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make gluten-free banana by using a gluten-free flour blend or alternative gluten-free flours in place of regular all-
purpose flour. Ensure that other ingredients used are also gluten-free.
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