Banana Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly marries sweet ripe bananas and creamy cheesecake in an easy-to-make bar, let me introduce you to Banana Cream Cheese Bars. This cozy, crowd-pleasing treat showcases luscious banana flavor, a silky ribbon of cream cheese, and a beautiful marbled finish that makes every square irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for a laid-back family gathering, a potluck, or simply as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these bars always delight and disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The list of ingredients for Banana Cream Cheese Bars is refreshingly simple, yet each one is crucial for that signature taste, rich texture, and gentle pop of golden color. These basic pantry staples transform into pure magic when combined!
- Ripe bananas: Go for deeply speckled bananas for the sweetest and most aromatic results.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter lends moistness and a tender crumb—plus, it helps blend everything smoothly.
- Granulated sugar: Used in both the banana batter and cream cheese filling to strike the perfect level of sweetness.
- Large eggs: One for the banana base, one for creamy filling—these bring structure and richness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the banana and cream cheese flavors seamlessly.
- All-purpose flour: Just enough for bars that are soft but hold their shape nicely.
- Baking powder & baking soda: The dynamic duo for lift and subtle airiness.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens and balances all the sweet notes.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese creates that divine, velvety middle we all crave.
How to Make Banana Cream Cheese Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or, even better, line it with parchment paper for easy, mess-free removal—the simplest way to ensure your Banana Cream Cheese Bars come out looking picture-perfect.
Step 2: Mix the Banana Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine those well-mashed bananas, luscious melted butter, the main cup of sugar, one egg, and a splash of vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture comes together into a smooth, pale-yellow batter that already smells heavenly.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This quick step ensures all the leavening agents are evenly distributed—and guarantees a light, balanced crumb in every bite.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, folding until just combined. Don’t overmix—just enough so you see a cohesive batter with no streaks of flour.
Step 5: Layer the Batter and Cream Cheese Filling
Pour about two-thirds of the banana batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it gently with a spatula. In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, one egg, and a splash more vanilla until creamy and velvety. Plop this dreamy filling over the banana layer, spreading it as evenly as you can.
Step 6: Create the Swirl
Spoon the last bit of banana batter in dollops across the cream cheese layer. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the batters together—just a few turns is perfect for a gorgeous marbled effect that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Slide the pan onto a center rack and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The bars are done when the center looks set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine!). Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing—patience is rewarded with clean, neat edges and the ideal cheesecake texture.
How to Serve Banana Cream Cheese Bars
Garnishes
Dress up your Banana Cream Cheese Bars with a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic café-style finish. For a festive touch, a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or mini chocolate chips on top before baking brings even more texture and flair.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you want a bit of contrast, serve alongside fresh berries—strawberries or blueberries are especially lovely with the bananas and cheesecake.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Banana Cream Cheese Bars into neat squares, triangles, or even fun shapes with a cookie cutter. Arrange them on a tiered cake stand for brunches or wrap individual bars in parchment for a sweet lunchbox or picnic treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Banana Cream Cheese Bars have cooled and been cut, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh, moist, and delicious for up to 5 days—perfect for snacking all week long.
Freezing
To make these bars ahead, let them cool completely, then wrap each bar tightly in plastic or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready for a treat.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, pop a chilled Banana Cream Cheese Bar into the microwave for about 10 seconds. Warmed, the banana aroma and cheesecake filling become extra dreamy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for Banana Cream Cheese Bars?
Absolutely! Thaw your frozen bananas, drain off any excess liquid, then mash and use as directed. They’re just as flavorful and make a great use of those stockpiled bananas in your freezer.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—you can easily double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need a few extra minutes to set.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
The bars are ready when the cream cheese center looks set, the edges are golden, and a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a little moist crumb is perfect). Avoid overbaking for the best creamy texture.
What nuts or add-ins work best with Banana Cream Cheese Bars?
Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even mini chocolate chips sprinkled over the top before baking add crunch and extra flavor—pick your favorite or mix and match for a delightful twist.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can substitute low-fat (Neufchâtel) cream cheese for a slightly tangier and lighter bar. Full-fat yields the richest texture, but both are delicious and creamy!
Final Thoughts
If you adore the marriage of sweet banana bread and creamy cheesecake, you owe it to yourself to bake a batch of Banana Cream Cheese Bars. Whether you’re sharing them or savoring them solo with your favorite hot drink, these bars make every day feel just a little more special—so go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself!
Print
Banana Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of these delicious Banana Cream Cheese Bars. A perfect blend of sweet banana and rich cream cheese in every bite, these bars are sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Banana Batter:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
- Mix the banana batter: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, 1 cup sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Layer the batter: Pour two-thirds of the banana batter into the pan, spread evenly. In another bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the banana batter.
- Swirl and bake: Spoon remaining banana batter over the cream cheese layer, swirl with a knife. Bake for 30-35 minutes until set. Cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Enhance with chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips before baking for added flavor.
- Bars can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
