Banana Nut Bars

4.67 from 3 ratings

I have developed a large collection of bar recipes, including these banana bars with cream cheese frosting. These always wow a crowd with big banana flavor, moist texture, and complimentary frosting.

Prep Time10

Cook Time22

Additional Time1

Total Time1 32

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: banana bars, banana bars recipe, banana bars with cream cheese frosting, banana bread bars, banana cake with cream cheese frosting, frosted banana bars

Servings: servings

Author: Beth

Equipment

Ingredients

Banana Bars

2 sticks unsalted butter, cubed 1 cup
½ cup water
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup mashed banana about 2 large bananas
½ cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup chopped walnuts in the batter optional

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese softened
1 stick unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Banana Bars

Preheat the oven to 350º F. Spray a 10x15 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
On medium-high heat over the stove, melt the butter and water and bring to a boil. Once it boils, remove it from the heat and set aside.
In a mixing bowl combine the sugar, brown sugar, banana, buttermilk, eggs and vanilla, beat with an electric mixer until smooth, 1-2 minutes.
Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and optional walnuts, then gradually add to the banana mixture.
Gently stir in the melted butter mixture until incorporated.
Pour the batter onto the baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before adding the frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl combine the cream cheese and butter, beat with an electric mixer until smooth, 1-2 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract and gradually add the powdered sugar, beat until smooth and thick. Spread the frosting on top of the cooled bars. Garnish with walnuts if desired. Slice and serve.

Video

Notes

How to Store Banana Bars

Unfrosted banana bars can be covered in an airtight container and stored at room temperature on the counter for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place in the fridge.

If they are frosted with cream cheese frosting, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition