This site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links.
These banana bars with cream cheese frosting are essentially banana bread, but upgraded. A soft brown butter banana bread bar is topped with the silkiest cream cheese frosting that’s not too sweet. So, next time you have overripe bananas sitting in your kitchen, this banana bar recipe is the perfect use for them.
Why you’ll love these bars
- Two bowls and one saucepan for the entire recipe
- Each component comes together in minutes
- The best banana bread and cream cheese frosting makes for the best power duo
Problems this recipe solves
- No sad banana bread. This banana bread is soft and moist, without being soggy or gummy. It’s full of flavour and not too sweet.
- No clumpy cream cheese frosting. No need to sift icing sugar to get silky cream cheese frosting for this recipe.
- No waiting for ingredients to come to room temperature (not even cream cheese!)
- No sour cream or plain Greek yogurt because it’s not necessary. Also please tell me I’m not the only one who doesn’t casually have sour cream at home?
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Butter gives this bar the best flavour. If using salted butter, omit the table salt.
- Milk powder: Milk powder is toasted in butter for a stronger brown butter flavour. The toastiness adds warmth to the bar.
- Granulated sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the banana flavour. We use granulated instead of brown sugar for a purer banana flavour and to avoid adding unnecessary moisture.
- Bananas: You’ll need approximately two medium spotty bananas. If your bananas are still mostly yellow, bake in an oven on a baking tray until the skins are black, then use as usual. However, it’s best to opt for naturally ripened bananas.
- Egg: Egg binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the bar’s flavour.
- All-purpose flour: Flour adds structure to the bar.
- Baking soda: Baking soda leavens the bar.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds the classic warm spiced flavour to banana bread. No other spices are added so the banana flavour is highlighted.
- Table salt: Salt balances the sweetness of the bar. If using kosher salt or sea salt, double the amount listed in the recipe.
- White chocolate: White chocolate sweetens the cream cheese frosting.
- Heavy cream: Heavy cream keeps the frosting soft.
- Cream cheese: Cream cheese is the base for the frosting, and adds a delicious creamy flavour. It’s best to use cream cheese blocks rather than cream cheese from a tub, but either will work.
Instructions
Brown the butter and milk powder until golden like the image above.
Combine mashed bananas, egg and vanilla extract.
Add in dry ingredients.
Bake until golden.
Add sugar and whisk. The sugar will absorb some of the butter.
Add butter and sugar mixture.
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Frost with cream cheese icing.
Variations
You can mix in tons of fun mix-ins into these bars. Here are some ideas to get you started!
- Chocolate chip banana bars: Fold 70 grams chocolate chips into the batter after adding the dry ingredients.
- Walnut banana bars: Fold in around 70 grams of toasted walnuts (or any other nut) in the batter. Top the frosting with some chopped toasted walnuts.
Equipment
Baking pan material can affect the bar. If you use a dark coloured baking pan, the bar edges will bake and brown faster than if using a lighter pan, so keep a close eye on the bar. If the edges are baking too quickly, you can reduce the baking temperature by 25F.
Make sure you have a kitchen scale for this recipe since most of the measurements are in grams. Using a kitchen scale ensures you get the same results I have! Learn about why kitchen scales are the best way to measure in this kitchen scale article. If you’d like to use measuring spoons and cups, you can use an online recipe converter to change the units.
Storage
Store this bar in the fridge in an airtight container, as cream cheese requires chilling. The bar will be fresh or 3-4 days.
If storing the bar and the frosting separately, you can store the bar at room temperature wrapped in plastic wrap and the frosting in the fridge.
FAQ
If you poke the center of the bar with a toothpick, it should come out clean. The bar will be no longer be liquid or jiggly if you gently shake it.
Yup! If making in a 10×15 inch jelly roll or sheet pan, multiply all ingredient quantities by 2.3.
Yes. Double the ingredients and bake for 20-25 minutes instead of 15-20 minutes.
If your kitchen is very hot, you may need to chill the frosting a bit to give the ingredients time to solidify, then whip again. You can also add a bit of melted white chocolate or powdered sugar to the frosting to thicken it, but this will make it more sweet.
Add a teaspoon or two of heavy cream and whip again until it thins out to your desired consistency.
If you see cream cheese chunks, whip for 5 minutes to rid of any clumps. If there’s still clumps, heat in a double boiler to melt the cream cheese a bit, then whip again
Let’s bake!
If you make anything with your brown bananas, let it be these banana delicious bars. They’re a great treat that just happens to prevent food waste!
When you make it, tag me on Instagram @bakewhenitrains so I can see your banana bars with cream cheese frosting!
Also, don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below. I’d love to hear your feedback.
With love,
Your baking friend Sherene ❤️
Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Bar
- 80 grams unsalted butter
- 20 grams milk powder
- 65 grams granulated sugar
- 175 grams bananas around 2 medium bananas
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 105 grams all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp table salt
Frosting
- 130 grams white chocolate chopped
- 45 grams heavy cream
- 170 grams cream cheese
Instructions
Bar
- Preheat oven to 350℉ and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper. If the parchment isn't staying, spray the pan with nonstick cooking spray before placing on the parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add milk powder continue cooking, whisking constantly, until golden brown.
- Add granulated sugar and whisk until smooth. Take the mixture off the heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mash bananas until no large chunks remain.
- Add egg and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Add butter and sugar mixture. Whisk until smooth.
- Fold in flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt until just combined. There should not be any streaks of the flour mixture left.
- Pour into prepared pan and spread smooth.
- Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool.
Frosting
- In a medium bowl or large bowl, combine chocolate and heavy cream.
- Microwave in 10 second intervals, whisking in between, until smooth.
- Add cream cheese and whip with an electric mixer for at least 5 minutes, or until smooth.
- Spread frosting on top of the cooled banana bars. Slice and serve.
Leave a Reply