Banana Bars (Printable Version)
Soft banana bars topped with rich, creamy frosting. Ideal for using ripe bananas and super easy to throw together anytime!
# Ingredients:
→ Brownie base
01 -
1 1/2 cups plain all-purpose flour
02 -
1 mashed banana (about 3/4 cup)
03 -
1/2 teaspoon of table salt
04 -
1/2 cup melted butter, unsalted
05 -
1 large egg
06 -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
07 -
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
08 -
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
→ Creamy frosting
09 -
8 oz softened cream cheese
10 -
1/4 cup softened butter, unsalted
11 -
1 teaspoon vanilla
12 -
2 cups powdered sugar
# Steps:
01 -
Heat your oven to 350°F. Place parchment paper into a 9x13 baking dish and set it aside for now.
02 -
In another medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the baking powder, flour, and salt. Let it sit nearby.
03 -
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, mashed bananas, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and blended.
04 -
Gently fold the dry mix into the wet mixture. Stir until no bits of dry flour are left.
05 -
Pour the batter evenly into your baking dish. Pop it in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. It’s done when the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
06 -
Take the dish out of the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Let it cool down fully before applying frosting.
07 -
As the bars cool, blend the cream cheese and softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand or stand mixer to get it creamy.
08 -
Slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing as you go. Add vanilla last, then whip for 3 minutes until airy and smooth.
09 -
Use the parchment to lift the bars out of the dish. Spread the frosting on top, slice into squares, and serve right away.
# Notes:
01 -
These bars are soft and fluffy, with a rich and creamy frosting on top.
02 -
Go for overripe bananas—they’ll bring out more sweetness and flavor.