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
Scale
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.
