• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Confessions of a Baking Queen logo
  • About
    • Contact
  • All Recipes
    • St. Patricks Day
    • British Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
      • Bar
      • Bread
      • Brownie
      • Caramel
      • Cake
      • Chocolate
      • Chocolates/Candy
      • Cheesecake
      • Cookies
      • Cupcakes
      • Custard and Creams
      • Creme Brûlée
      • Crumble & Crisps
      • Lemon
      • Pastry
      • Peanut Butter
      • Pie
      • Pudding
      • Sauces, Frostings & Toppings
      • Scone
      • Tart
      • Tiramisu
    • Appetizers
    • Dinner
      • Beef Recipes
      • Chicken Recipes
      • Pasta
      • Seafood
      • Side Dish
    • Drinks
    • Egg Free
    • Gluten Free
    • Spring Recipes
    • Fall Favorite Recipes
    • Summer Recipes
  • Dessert
    • Cookies
    • Cake
    • Bar
    • Cheesecake
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • All Desserts
  • All Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • All Desserts
    • All Recipes
    • Shop
    • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Dessert » Bar

    Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

    Published: May 17, 2019 · by Elizabeth Waterson · This post may contain affiliate links, which may pay me a small commission for my referral at no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting Confessions of a Baking Queen!

    Jump to Recipe
    bite taken out of a banana bar with cream cheese frsoting

    Moist Banana Bread cake is frosted with a luscious cream cheese frosting. A nice change from traditional banana bread these Banana Bread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are great for a bake sale, party or Sunday afternoon treat! 

    bite taken out of a banana bar with cream cheese frsoting

    I first published this recipe back on January 13, 2013, here we are six plus years later we needed an update. This recipe for banana bars is like super moist banana bread into bars and topped with cream cheese frosting. Because cream cheese frosting makes it all better, am I right??

    I think because this recipe is so "basic" I wasn't super excited to share it, but the same as it was 6 years ago, everyone loves these bars and they disappear so quickly!!

    These bars are moist, fluffy, and they make a HUGE batch! You will LOVE them.

    Let's get to the recipe.

    Jump to:
    • What are the ingredients
    • How do you make
    • What are the ingredients for cream cheese frosting?
    • How do you make cream cheese frosting?
    • Can you make banana bars ahead of time?
    • Recipe Card
    • Recipe Ratings & Comments

    What are the ingredients

    • Granulated Sugar
    • Sour Cream
    • Unsalted Butter, softened
    • Large Eggs, at room temp.
    • Ripe Bananas (3 or 4 bananas), mashed
    • Pure Vanilla Extract
    • All-Purpose Flour/ Plain Flour
    • Baking Soda
    • Salt

    How do you make

    Preheat oven to 350F/180C and line a 10X15 inch jelly roll pan with nonstick cooking spray.

    In the bowl of an electric mixer combine the sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs.

    sugar, butter, eggs and sour cream in a metal mixing bowl for a banana bars recipe

    Mash your bananas you want roughly 1 ¾ cups, 3 large bananas or 4 medium bananas.

    mashed bananas in a liquid measuring cup

    Blend in the bananas and vanilla to the butter and sugar mixture.

    mashed bananas and vanilla added to wet ingredients for a banana bars recipe

    Gently mix in flour, baking soda and salt until just combined. Do not overmix, this will create a tougher banana bar.

    hand gently mixing flour into wet mixture of banana bars

    Spread into prepared baking pan. Use an offset spatula to gently spread the batter into an even layer.

    banana bars batter in a metal baking sheet

    Bake the bars for 20-25 minutes. The bars should be golden brown if you gently press the center of the bars in the center of the pan it should bounce back after a soft press.

    You can also stick a toothpick in the center to test for wet batter- be careful you aren't looking at a wet banana chunk when doing this test.

    Once bars have cooled make the frosting.

    What are the ingredients for cream cheese frosting?

    • Cream Cheese
    • Heavy Whipping Cream
    • Pure Vanilla Extract
    • Powdered Sugar/ Icing Sugar

    How do you make cream cheese frosting?

    As with most frosting recipes if you have an electric stand mixer I highly suggest using it, but this can be made with a handheld mixer as well.

    Beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy, if your cream cheese is too cold you will see lumps at this stage. That is not good. You need extremely soft but not melted cream cheese.

    If you love cream cheese you've got to try my Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe.

    cream cheese beat until softened in a metal mixing bowl

    Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract. Using a sieve sift the powdered sugar to prevent any lumps. Don't skip this part!

    powdered sugar in a large sieve over a metal mixing bowl

    Mix on low at first and when the powdered sugar is incorporated beat on high for 3 minutes.

    cream cheese frosting in a metal mixing bowl

    I like to use an offset spatula/ palette knife to gently smooth the frosting in an even layer.

    hand spreading cream cheese frosting on banana bars

    Cut the pan into bars, I cut it into 6 columns and 8 rows. But feel free to cut the smaller or larger depending on what you want.

    banana bars with cream cheese frosting cut into chunks in a metal baking pan

    Can you make banana bars ahead of time?

    Totally, I usually make these bars the day before I want to serve them so they last a few days after I serve them as well.

    banana bars with cream cheese frosting on top of a black rack

    ★★★★★ Please let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a star rating and comment below!

    Make sure to join our Newsletter and follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

    Print

    Recipe Card

    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    banana bars with cream cheese frosting on top of a black rack

    Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

    ★★★★★

    5 from 2 reviews

    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Moist Banana Bread cake is frosted with a luscious cream cheese frosting. A nice change from traditional banana bread these Banana Bread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are great for a bake sale, party or Sunday afternoon treat!

    • Total Time: 45 minutes
    • Yield: 40-60 Bars Depending 1x

    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    Banana Bars

    • 300 grams (1 ½ cups) Granulated Sugar
    • 8oz (1 cup) Sour Cream
    • 4oz (½ cup/1 stick) Unsalted Butter, softened
    • 2 Large Eggs, at room temp.
    • 1 ¾ cups ripe bananas (3 or 4 bananas), mashed
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    • 250 grams (2 Cups) All-Purpose Flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ¾ teaspoon salt

    Frosting

    • 4oz Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
    • 2oz (¼ cup) Heavy Whipping Cream
    • 1 ½ Teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
    • 250 grams (2 cups) Powdered Sugar/ Icing Sugar

    Instructions

    Banana Bars

    1. Preheat oven to 350F and line a 10X15 inch jelly roll pan with nonstick cooking spray. 
    2. In the bowl of an electric mixer combine the sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs.
    3. Blend in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
    4. Gently mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Do not overmix the batter.
    5. Spread into prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, check the bars are done by gently pressing the center of the pan if the sponge bounces back it is baked or use the toothpick test. 
    6. Let bars cool on a wire rack completely before frosting. 

    Cream Cheese Frosting

    1. In the bowl of an electric mixer beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy.
    2. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract. Using a sieve sift the powdered sugar into the bowl. Mix on low at first and when the powdered sugar is incorporated beat on high for 3 minutes.
    3. Spread on top of bars, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    Equipment

    small angled spatula

    Small Angled Spatula

    Buy Now →
    oxo food scale

    OXO Kitchen Scale

    Buy Now →

    Notes

    • Bar Recipe: Life as a Lofthouse
    • Frosting: Confessions of a Baking Queen
    • Author: Elizabeth Waterson I Confessions of a Baking
    • Prep Time: 20
    • Cook Time: 25
    • Category: Dessert
    • Method: Bake
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: banana bread bars, cream cheese frosted banana bread

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @confessionsofabakingqueen on Instagram and hashtag it #cbqbakes

    Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

    *The recipe has been updated as of 5/17/19 I cut the frosting recipe in half but feel free to double it if you prefer more frosting to bar!

    three banana bars with cream cheese frosting on a red plate
    anana bars with cream cheese frosting on a red plate
    « Chocolate Dipped Butterfinger Cookies
    White Chocolate Cookies »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Did you make this recipe? Have a question? Let me know here! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. sally @ sallys baking addiction says

      January 14, 2013 at 9:24 am

      Sometimes I question whether or not to post a recipe and if my readers will like it. And more often than not, I am debating this as I'm stuffing my face with said recipe. 🙂 So that means I should share it. 🙂 I love banana bread in any form and topping it with cream cheese frosting sounds incredible!!

      Reply
      • Elizabeth says

        January 14, 2013 at 9:25 am

        Thanks Sally! Good to know you question it too. Once I have eaten 3 or 4 pieces in the course of 10 minutes I take that as a sign 😉

        Reply
    2. Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl says

      January 26, 2013 at 5:06 pm

      Banana bread is my ultimate favorite. And I guess if you kept eating these bars, they must be pretty good. 🙂

      Reply
      • Elizabeth says

        January 26, 2013 at 6:26 pm

        Banana bread is one of my favorites too! When I was little my mom made it often and would send us some in our lunch! Lately I've been jazzing banana bread up with chocolate, cookie butter, peanut butter, Nutella- gosh I feel like I can add anything to banana bread!

        Reply
    3. Paula says

      November 26, 2019 at 8:33 pm

      I kept the banana bars (iced) in the refrigerator for a week, then froze them for two weeks. They were just as good as the first day. I added 1 cup black walnuts, and garnished with nuts. My family loved them, when I distributed them around. I am making more for Thanksgiving thank you gifts to hostesses and hosts.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Waterson says

        November 26, 2019 at 8:44 pm

        Thank you so much for coming back and letting me know Paula. They are a perfect hostess gift! Happy Thanksgiving!! XX Liz

        Reply
    4. Bridgette Rendon says

      May 03, 2020 at 12:10 pm

      Loved this! It was a huge hit at our house. Some people requested chocolate, so I covered half in chocolate ganache. Delicious both ways

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Waterson says

        May 03, 2020 at 12:26 pm

        Thank you so much for the lovely review Bridgette, I cannot wait to try it with chocolate!! Take care! XX Liz

        Reply
    5. Jessie Daniell says

      January 11, 2021 at 3:38 pm

      your ingredients it has softened butter but in the recipe it says melted butter.
      which one should I follow

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Waterson says

        January 11, 2021 at 4:15 pm

        Hi Jessie, so sorry for the confusion you'll need softened butter. Please let me know if I can help with anything else or if you try the recipe! XX Liz

        Reply
    6. Linda says

      December 15, 2021 at 12:58 pm

      My favorite banana bar recipe includes half a banana in the cream cheese frosting. YUMMY!

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Waterson says

        December 16, 2021 at 11:57 am

        Oh that sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing Linda!! Merry CHristmas. XX Liz

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    bite taken out of a banana bar with cream cheese frsoting
    Waterson, Elizabeth Cropped Size Photo CAke copy 2

    Hiya! I am Elizabeth Waterson, welcome to my treat-filled site. After spending 15 years in the restaurant industry and growing up baking, I wanted to share my love of baking with you all. My step-by-step tutorials will help you learn how to bake at home. Confessions of a Baking Queen (CBQ) has been featured in CBS LA, HuffPost Taste, BuzzFeed, Taste of Home, and more! Here you will find loads of sweet recipes with a few savory ones for good measure. Feel free to message me with any questions! Happy Baking! 

    More about me →

    Popular

    • easter cake decorated with jelly beans on a white plate on a light surface with a checkered linen
      Easter Cake
    • key lime curd in a small white bowl on a light surface with cut up key limes
      Key Lime Curd
    • Cheesecake stuffed strawberries arranged on a plate.
      Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
    • lemon creme brulee wtih berries and a lemon twirl on a white surface with a blue linen
      Lemon Creme Brûlée
    • Carrot Pineapple Banana Loaf Cake
    • close up of roasted carrots on white and brown speckled plate on a grey surface with a navy blue linen
      Roasted Carrots
    • close up of lemon cheesecake with raspberry coulis dripping down on a black plate on a marble surface
      Lemon Cheesecake
    • slices of lemon loaf cake on a white speckled plate on top of a blue stripped linen on a light pink surface
      Easy Lemon Loaf Cake
    • up close of cauliflower cheese on a plate on a larger plate on a light grey surface
      Cauliflower Cheese
    • close up of lemon crumb bars on a wire rack on a light pink surface
      Lemon Crumb Bars
    • lemon crinkle cookie against a stack of cookies
      Lemon Crinkle Cookies
    • half eaten lemon poppy seed muffin in a white bowl
      Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

    Featured

    featured in confessions of a baking queen

    Footer

    bite taken out of a banana bar with cream cheese frsoting

    Join the CBQ Community

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Join our Community on Social Media
    • Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest

    Check Out Google Web Stories

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About Elizabeth
    • Contact

    Resources

    • The Best Baking Tools
    • Recipes with Video
    • Cheesecake Recipes
    • Brownie Recipes
    • Cake Recipes
    • Shop My Favorite Products & Tools

    ↑ back to top

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting Confessions of a Baking Queen.

    Copyright © 2023 Confessions of a Baking Queen

    • 3
    905 shares