Banana Walnut Bars

Karina Kari

Tender and moist banana bars loaded with chopped walnuts and topped with rich cream cheese frosting.

Naturally sweet, fiber-rich, and easy to make, these bars are perfect for dessert, snacks, or a quick treat anytime.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Equipment

1 large mixing bowl
1 Medium mixing bowl
Electric mixer
spatula
Jelly roll pan (10x15 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 10x15-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.