Banana Bread Bars recipe

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 1½ cups ripe mashed bananas (about 3–4 bananas)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional but highly recommended!):

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sour cream.
5. Mix in mashed bananas until smooth.
6. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix!
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Optional Frosting:

10. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
11. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until creamy.
12. Spread over the cooled banana bars.
13. Slice into squares or bars, serve, and enjoy! 😍

Let me know if you want a chocolate chip version or a healthier twist!