If you’re searching for a dessert that brings together the cozy sweetness of ripe bananas with the creamy indulgence of smooth cheese, you’ve just found it in this Banana Cream Cheese Bars Recipe. These bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balance moist banana flavor with a tangy, luscious cream cheese layer, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just craving a homemade sweet fix, this recipe promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture that make these bars so special. You’ll find simple pantry staples here, plus bananas and cream cheese, which combine to bring that signature moistness and creamy tang.
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas: Using ripe bananas ensures natural sweetness and helps keep the bars moist.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness that complements the bananas perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Keeps everything tender and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor depth with warm vanilla notes.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together and contribute to the bar’s fluffy texture.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your batter, giving structure without weighing it down.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works as a leavening agent, making bars light and airy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): The star of the creamy layer, adding tang and luscious texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese layer): Sweetens the cream cheese just enough without overpowering.
- 1 large egg (for cream cheese layer): Helps firm up the cream cheese layer as it bakes.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese layer): Brings harmony by tying in vanilla notes to the cream cheese mix.
How to Make Banana Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish so your bars will slide out with ease. Cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key for a tender crumb. Next, stir in your mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and eggs, mixing just until everything is combined. Mixing the wet ingredients first helps ensure your bars will have that deliciously smooth texture we love.
Step 2: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients will provide the right balance of rise and structure. Gradually fold this mixture into your banana batter, being careful not to overmix—keeping everything just incorporated ensures your bars stay soft and tender without becoming dense.
Step 3: Layering the Batter and Cream Cheese
Pour about two-thirds of your banana batter into the greased pan and spread it out evenly. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract for the cream cheese layer. Gently spread this creamy goodness over the banana batter, taking care not to mix the layers. Finally, dollop the remaining banana batter across the top in small spoonfuls and use a knife to gently swirl it into the cream cheese layer, creating a beautiful marbled effect that’s almost too pretty to eat.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with the most wonderful aroma as the bars bake, signaling a delicious treat is nearly ready. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing to get those perfect clean edges and to let the cream cheese layer firm up just right.
How to Serve Banana Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are wonderful on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can add a lovely finishing touch. For a little extra flair, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or toasted pecans on top for crunch and added depth.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated dessert experience. Fresh berries on the side also brighten things up and add a burst of fresh flavor that complements the rich cream cheese and banana magnificently.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing touch, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a decorative platter with small forks or toothpicks. You could also layer the bar pieces with extra cream cheese frosting or banana slices in a trifle bowl for a fun layered dessert presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Banana Cream Cheese Bars Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully fresh for up to 5 days, making them an excellent option for dessert prep or a grab-and-go treat all week long.
Freezing
If you want to stash some bars away for later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy these delicious bars long after you bake them. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy bars that taste freshly baked, warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes. This revives their softness and highlights the cream cheese layer’s luscious creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to keep the batter’s consistency perfect.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter to make it dairy-free, though the texture might be slightly different, it will still be delicious!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes! Fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before spreading to add a personal touch and extra texture.
How ripe should my bananas be?
Choose bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture in the bars.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, adjusting the baking time as needed—check for doneness with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about homemade banana desserts, and this Banana Cream Cheese Bars Recipe hits all the right notes with its tender banana batter and irresistible creamy layer. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug, perfect for sharing with friends and family or simply treating yourself. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to dessert!
Print
Banana Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Banana Cream Cheese Bars combine the sweetness of ripe bananas with a creamy, tangy cream cheese layer, swirled together in a moist, fluffy baked dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Banana Batter
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients for Banana Batter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and eggs, mixing until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning agents.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the banana wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bars.
- Layer Batter in Pan: Pour about two-thirds of the banana batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly to create the base layer.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Cream Cheese Layer: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the banana batter layer in the pan, ensuring an even distribution.
- Top with Remaining Banana Batter: Spoon the remaining banana batter over the cream cheese layer in small dollops. Use a knife to gently swirl the two mixtures together to create an attractive marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the bars comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares for serving. This cooling helps the bars set and makes cutting easier.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the banana batter for a warm spice note.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
