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Banana Bars

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Bananas. I love them, but as you may recall, I can never seem to use them up before they are speckled brown and less than appetizing on my Cheerios. However, these past their prime ‘naners are the perfect excuse to bake something delicious! Last week, I was left with a few of this type of bananas adorning my counter top, so I hit up allrecipes in search of a new banana recipe to try when I came across these amazingly delicious banana bars.

The original recipe which is linked below, used a jellyroll pan and called for canned cream cheese frosting, but I decided to use a 9×13 pan…which made the bars more cake like. I also made my own frosting and added a bit of cinnamon. However, I think these would be delicious no matter what pan size or frosting type you choose to use. These came out super moist and everyone that tried one absolutely loved the flavor. Put those brown bananas to good use or let some get super ripe on purpose because these are a must try!


Banana Bars with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

For the Cake

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I used Beanilla's Vanilla Bean Paste)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup mashed ripe bananas

For the Frosting

2 (8) ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 stick unsalted butter; softened
2 lbs. confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (I used Beanilla's Vanilla Bean Paste)

Directions:

For the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9"x13" inch pan.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla.

3. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; stir into the batter. Finally, mix in the mashed banana. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.

4. Bake for 25-30 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow bars to cool completely before frosting with the cream cheese frosting.

For the Frosting

1. In the bowl of your mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix cream cheese and butter until smooth.

2. Gradually add in the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract. Spread on cooled cake.

adapted from allrecipes

All images and text ©

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Elizabeth B

Friday 19th of August 2011

YAY! Thank you for the idea! Finally banana bars are on my teenage, baking blog... View at http://teenage-baking.blogspot.com/ AND THEY HAVE A SPECIAL FROSTING WITH THEM TOO.

Colleen

Saturday 30th of July 2011

AMAZING!! I made these and added just a dash of nutmeg to the frosting. My husband and kids were in love.

Jamie

Sunday 31st of July 2011

Colleen- Yay! So glad you enjoyed these, thanks for reporting back! -Jamie

Michele

Sunday 17th of April 2011

ALways looking for good banana recipes. I'll let you know how mine turn out! Thanks!

els

Thursday 22nd of April 2010

hm.. yummy.. :)

tasteofbeirut

Thursday 1st of April 2010

These banana bars look so delicious! Why did I not think of it! So much more fun to eat than the classic bread!

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