These Banana Walnut Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful balance of sweet, nutty, and creamy flavors in every bite.
Packed with fiber-rich bananas and heart-healthy walnuts, they provide plant-based protein and good fats.
Quick to prepare and naturally satisfying, they make a perfect everyday dessert, snack, or addition to your meal-prep routine.
Banana Walnut Bars
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- spatula
- Jelly roll pan (10×15 inches)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife for chopping walnuts
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Banana Walnut Bars:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas about 3 small bananas
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3¾ –4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients and Equipment: Before you start, gather all your ingredients and necessary tools. This ensures a smooth process and prevents interruptions. Soften the butter and cream cheese ahead of time at room temperature. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with butter or non-stick spray. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal if desired.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of softened butter with 1½ cups of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture for about 3–4 minutes until it turns light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is key for creating tender, airy bars.
- Incorporate Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Add 2 room-temperature eggs, 1 cup sour cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed until fully blended and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure even mixing. The sour cream adds moisture and richness to the bars, keeping them soft and tender.
- Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir together until evenly combined. This ensures the leavening agent is distributed evenly, helping the bars rise perfectly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently or mixing on low speed. Stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears into the batter to prevent overworking, which can make the bars dense. The texture should be thick but smooth.
- Fold in Bananas and Walnuts: Mash 1 cup of very ripe bananas (about 3 small bananas) until smooth. Gently fold the mashed bananas into the batter with a spatula, ensuring even distribution. Then, fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts. The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the walnuts add a pleasant crunch and heart-healthy fats.
- Spread Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, reaching all corners for uniform thickness. Smooth the top lightly for an even bake. This helps the bars cook consistently and prevents uneven textures.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are ready. Be careful not to overbake, as it can dry out the banana bars.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30–40 minutes. Cooling completely before frosting is essential to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting and sliding off.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ½ cup softened butter, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract with an electric mixer until fluffy and smooth. Gradually add 3¾–4 cups of powdered sugar, a little at a time, beating after each addition until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
- Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cooled, use a spatula or butter knife to spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Start from the center and gently work outward to cover the entire surface. Smooth it lightly for a polished look or create swirls for a decorative touch.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the frosted bars into 12 equal squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. Serve immediately or store for later. The bars are perfect for dessert, snacks, or even as a sweet breakfast treat. For best texture, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Storage and Tips: These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.Thaw at room temperature before serving. The bars can also be enjoyed slightly chilled for a refreshing treat.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas—they provide natural sweetness, moisture, and a strong banana flavor. Slightly overripe bananas with brown spots work best.
- Room temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese ensure smoother batter and frosting. Cold ingredients can cause curdling or uneven mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing can make the bars dense and heavy instead of soft and tender.
- Baking time may vary depending on your oven; start checking at 20 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- For easy pan removal, line the jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This allows you to lift the bars out effortlessly after cooling.
Chef’s Secrets: Insider Tips Revealed
The secret to perfectly moist banana bars is balancing wet and dry ingredients carefully.
Adding sour cream keeps the bars tender while maintaining structure, preventing them from becoming too dense.
Folding the mashed bananas and walnuts gently ensures even distribution without deflating the batter.
For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until fluffy before adding sugar to prevent grainy texture.
A touch of vanilla in both the batter and frosting enhances flavor complexity, making every bite richer.
For extra flair, lightly toast the walnuts before folding them in; it intensifies their nutty aroma and adds subtle crunch.
Serving Suggestions: Delicious Ways to Enjoy
These bars are incredibly versatile.
Serve them chilled as a refreshing dessert or slightly warmed for a comforting treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
They also work wonderfully for brunch buffets or lunchboxes, offering a sweet but satisfying snack.
For an indulgent twist, drizzle with a thin layer of melted dark chocolate or sprinkle extra chopped walnuts on top.
You can pair them with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a café-style presentation.
Storage Tips: Keep Bars Fresh Longer
To maintain freshness, store unfrosted bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Once frosted, refrigeration is recommended to prevent the cream cheese frosting from spoiling; the bars will stay fresh for 4–5 days.
For long-term storage, cut the bars into individual squares, wrap them in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Always store them in a single layer to preserve the frosting’s smooth texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use less sugar in this recipe?
Yes! You can reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup without significantly affecting texture, but the bars may be slightly less sweet. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas helps balance the flavor.
2. Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?
Absolutely. Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts work well. Toast them lightly before folding in to enhance flavor and maintain crunch.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the bars will remain moist and tender.
4. Can I prepare the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, the cream cheese frosting can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Bring it to room temperature and re-whip briefly before spreading.
5. Can I freeze the frosted bars?
Yes. Wrap each frosted bar individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving to maintain frosting texture.
