Old-Fashioned Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s something incredibly comforting about classic desserts that bring back memories of cozy kitchens and family gatherings. These Old-Fashioned Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting fit that bill perfectly. Moist, tender bars infused with ripe banana flavor, warm spices, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting create a treat that’s both nostalgic and delightfully fresh. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet snack, these bars hit the spot every time.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

What makes these banana bars truly special is their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The use of very ripe bananas ensures natural sweetness and moisture, while the combination of light brown and granulated sugar adds depth without overpowering the fruit. A subtle hint of cinnamon and nutmeg brings warmth to every bite. The cream cheese frosting on top is silky smooth, slightly tangy, and sweet enough to complement the bars without stealing the show. Plus, the oil-based batter keeps the bars moist for days, making them a reliable crowd-pleaser. Unlike many banana treats, these bars are easy to slice and serve, making them an ideal choice for potlucks, lunchboxes, or afternoon tea.

Ingredient Checklist

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed – adds a mild molasses flavor and moisture
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – provides balanced sweetness
• 1 cup very ripe mashed banana – the star ingredient, for natural sweetness and softness
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor
• 1/3 cup canola oil (or melted coconut oil) – keeps the bars moist and tender
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature – binds the ingredients and adds richness
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – the base of the batter
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the bars rise
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – reacts with the banana acidity for lift
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon – adds warm spice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – complementary spice to cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances sweetness and enhances flavors
• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, VERY soft – for the creamy frosting
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, VERY soft – adds richness to frosting
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – flavor boost for frosting
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted – sweetens and thickens the frosting

What’s in the Gear List

• 9×9 inch baking pan – perfect size for bars
• Mixing bowls – one large for wet ingredients, one for dry
• Electric mixer or whisk – to cream the frosting smoothly
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient quantities
• Rubber spatula – to fold ingredients gently
• Fork or potato masher – to mash bananas thoroughly
• Cooling rack – to cool bars before frosting

Old-Fashioned Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, Made Easy

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and very ripe mashed bananas. Stir in the canola oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, folding gently with a rubber spatula just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the bars might turn dense.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat the very soft cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy and smooth. Add the vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the sifted confectioners’ sugar until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.

Step 7: Frost the Bars

Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For a clean look, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Slice into squares and serve!

Variations by Season

• Spring: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
• Summer: Mix in fresh blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
• Fall: Sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds on top of the frosting for added texture.
• Winter: Incorporate a teaspoon of ground ginger or cloves into the batter for a festive spice note.

What Could Go Wrong

• Overripe Bananas: While ripe bananas are necessary, overly mushy bananas can make the batter too wet and result in soggy bars.
• Overmixing: Mixing the batter too much can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to dense bars instead of tender ones.
• Undercooked Bars: Not baking the bars long enough might cause a gooey center. Always test with a toothpick before removing from the oven.
• Frosting Too Runny: If cream cheese or butter isn’t soft enough or frosting isn’t chilled properly, it can become runny and difficult to spread.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

These bars keep beautifully for several days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, thanks to the cream cheese frosting. To enjoy them at their best, bring to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost just before serving.

Popular Questions

Can I substitute the oil for butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute melted unsalted butter for the canola oil, but it may make the bars slightly denser and richer. Oil tends to keep the bars more moist and tender.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots or even mostly brown skins. They should be soft to the touch and easy to mash. This ensures maximum sweetness and moisture in the bars.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup and contains xanthan gum for best results.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese for frosting?

Leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for about an hour before mixing. Alternatively, microwave it in short 10-second bursts, checking frequently to avoid melting.

Weekend Projects

• Classic Banana Bread by Sally’s Baking Addiction – Another timeless banana recipe to try.
• Banana Pudding with Homemade Vanilla Wafers by Pinch of Yum – A creamy, dreamy banana dessert.
• Banana Ice Cream by Minimalist Baker – A simple and healthy frozen treat.
• Banana Walnut Muffins – Perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Ready to Cook?

The Old-Fashioned Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful mix of simplicity and nostalgia, perfect for any time you want a reliable, delicious treat. With humble ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all levels. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of spiced banana goodness topped with creamy frosting. These bars are sure to become a fast favorite in your baking repertoire!

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