Name: Old Fashioned Frosted Banana Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487549H54M34S
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk or cream (optional, for spreading consistency)

If you’re craving a nostalgic treat that perfectly blends moist banana flavor with a creamy, sweet finish, you’re in for a real delight with these Old Fashioned Frosted Banana Bars. This classic recipe captures the essence of home baking, offering a soft, tender crumb topped with luscious frosting that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or a cozy afternoon snack, these bars promise to bring a smile and a taste of timeless comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Comfort: These bars evoke the charming flavors of the past, delivering a sense of warmth and nostalgia in each bite.
Moist and Flavorful: Ripe bananas shine through with natural sweetness and a tender crumb that keeps you coming back for more.
Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is approachable for all skill levels.
Creamy Frosting Finish: The smooth, rich frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness and a beautiful layer atop the bars.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From potlucks to everyday treats, these bars are versatile and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Old Fashioned Frosted Banana Bars plays a key role, from adding moisture and flavor to creating the perfect texture and color. These simple pantry staples come together effortlessly to form a deliciously nostalgic dessert.

Ripe Bananas: The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and a tender crumb.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the bars, keeping them soft but firm.
Granulated Sugar: Adds balanced sweetness without overpowering the banana flavor.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to a light texture.
Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for a soft bite.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the natural flavors and adds warmth.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture, making the bars tender.
Cream Cheese (for frosting): Provides a smooth and tangy contrast to sweet bananas.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting to a perfect, creamy consistency.
Milk or Cream (optional for frosting): Adjusts frosting texture for spreading ease.

Variations for Old Fashioned Frosted Banana Bars

Feel free to make this recipe your own! It’s incredibly easy to customize based on what’s in your pantry, any dietary preferences, or simply to add a special twist to the beloved classic.

Walnut Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts for a delightful crunch and added texture.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking mix for a celiac-friendly treat.
Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter or sprinkle on top before frosting for extra indulgence.
Dairy-Free Frosting: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives to make a vegan version of the frosting.
Spiced Twist: Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note that complements the banana.

Old Fashioned Frosted Banana Bars Recipe Made Easy

How to Make Old Fashioned Frosted Banana Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Bananas and Wet Ingredients

Start by mashing ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth but slightly chunky. Beat in melted butter, then add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt to ensure even distribution before adding them to the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Combine and Pour into Pan

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently just until everything is blended. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender. Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then a tablespoon of milk or cream if needed, beating until fluffy and creamy.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled banana bars. Cut into squares and enjoy the delightful combination of moist banana layers topped with luscious frosting.

Pro Tips for Making Old Fashioned Frosted Banana Bars

Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the stronger and sweeter the flavor in your bars.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until combined to keep your bars tender and soft.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Applying frosting to warm bars can cause it to melt and slide off.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese helps everything blend smoothly.
Storage Attention: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and creamy.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Frosted Banana Bars

Garnishes

Top your frosted banana bars with chopped nuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a few banana chips to add texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a classic afternoon pick-me-up, or pair with fresh fruit for a lighter dessert option.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into bite-sized squares and arrange on a decorative platter for parties, or stack bars with layers of whipped cream and sliced bananas for an eye-catching dessert trifle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Old Fashioned Frosted Banana Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and frosting texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer warm bars, gently warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, but avoid heating the entire pan to preserve frosting integrity.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe because they add extra sweetness and a stronger banana flavor, which enhances the overall taste.

Is it possible to make these bars vegan?

Yes, by substituting eggs with flax eggs, using vegan butter or coconut oil, and replacing cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, you can create a vegan-friendly version of these bars.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature and re-whip before spreading on the bars.

What’s the best pan size for baking these bars?

A 9×13 inch baking pan works perfectly, allowing the bars to bake evenly and have the ideal thickness for that signature soft texture.

How do I prevent the bars from drying out?

Make sure not to overbake and store the bars in an airtight container to maintain moisture. Using ripe bananas also naturally keeps the bars moist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Old Fashioned Frosted Banana Bars. They bring together the best of simple, heartfelt baking with a soft, moist base and a rich, creamy frosting that feels like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic treat with a modern ease. Go ahead, give these bars a try—you’ll probably find yourself making them again and again!

Old Fashioned Frosted Banana Bars

Author: Brooklyn
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Old Fashioned Frosted Banana Bars offer a nostalgic, comforting treat with moist banana flavor and a creamy, sweet cream cheese frosting. Perfectly soft with a tender crumb and rich frosting, these bars are easy to make and ideal for any occasion, bringing classic home-baked warmth to your table.

Instructions

Prepare the Bananas and Wet Ingredients: Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth but slightly chunky. Beat in melted butter. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar to ensure even distribution.
Combine and Pour into Pan: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently just until blended. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender. Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan.
Bake the Bars: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then add a tablespoon of milk or cream if needed, beating until fluffy and creamy.
Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled banana bars. Cut into squares and enjoy.