Frosted Banana Bread Bars

These super soft banana bread bars are packed with sweet banana flavor and topped with a thick layer of dreamy homemade cream cheese frosting—basically banana bread’s cooler, dessert-y cousin.

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap "Jump to Recipe" at the top of the page.

Why You'll Love These Banana Bars

If you’ve got some ripe bananas hanging out on your counter, these frosted banana bars are calling your name!

They’re soft, moist, and full of that cozy banana flavor we all love—kind of like banana bread, but lighter, sweeter, and topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that takes them over the top.

Whether you're making them for a party, after-school treat, or just because you need something delicious with your coffee, these bars are easy to whip up and guaranteed to disappear fast.

How to Make Frosted Banana Bread Bars

[Step 1] In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

[Step 2] In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat the eggs in, one at a time, then mix in the sour cream and vanilla.

[Step 3] Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients then mix in the mashed bananas until moistened. Pour the batter into a 10x15 inch jelly roll pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

[Step 4] Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

[Step 5] Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer for 1-2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat for another 1-2 minutes, until smooth. Spread the frosting over the cooled banana bars, then refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before cutting into squares.

Baking Tips & Tricks

• Use overripe bananas – The spottier, the better! They’re sweeter, softer, and bring the best banana flavor.
• Mash bananas well – Smooth mashed bananas blend better into the batter for an even texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to keep the bars soft and tender.
• Line your pan with parchment paper – It makes removing and slicing the bars a breeze (and saves cleanup!).
• Let the bars cool completely – Frosting too soon will melt the cream cheese frosting and turn it runny.
• Use room temperature ingredients for the frosting – Softened cream cheese and butter blend smoothly and create that dreamy, lump-free texture.
• Adjust frosting consistency if needed – Add a tiny splash of milk to thin it out, or a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it up.
• Chill before slicing for clean cuts – Pop the frosted bars in the fridge for 20–30 minutes if you want extra neat squares.

How to Store Banana Bars

To keep your banana bars fresh and the cream cheese frosting safe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4–5 days.

If you prefer them at room temp, just let a piece sit out for a few minutes before serving—still just as tasty! You can also freeze them (frosted or unfrosted) for longer storage—just wrap them well and thaw in the fridge overnight.