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Delightful Banana Bread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re a fan of moist, delicious banana bread, you’re sure to fall in love with this delectable twist: Banana Bread Bars topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up, as a dessert at your next gathering, or just because, these bars bring the comforting flavours of traditional banana bread into a delightful new format.

A Taste of Home

Banana bread is a beloved classic, often conjuring warm memories of family kitchens filled with the sweet aroma of baking bananas. This recipe takes that nostalgic treat one step further, creating bars that are not only easier to share but also perfect for slicing and serving. The rich, sweet taste of ripe bananas is complemented by the creamy frosting, making it an indulgent treat that will please both young and old alike.

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Banana Bread Bars:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 160g granulated sugar
• 60ml vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 190g all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 225g cream cheese, softened
• 115g unsalted butter, softened
• 230g powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until well blended and smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly okay.

Step 4: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bars are cooling, start on the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well incorporated. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavours.

Step 6: Frost and Serve
Once the banana bread bars are completely cooled, spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Cut into squares or rectangles as desired, and enjoy!

Storage Tips

These Banana Bread Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavours only get better as they sit! They can also be frozen for longer storage; simply place them in a freezer-safe container and thaw before serving.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful combination of moist banana goodness and rich, creamy topping, making them a standout treat. Whether you’re packing them in lunchboxes, serving them at a playdate, or indulging yourself at the end of the day, these bars are sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of a classic reinvented!