Description
Delicious and moist Banana Bread Bars topped with a creamy Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting. Made with ripe bananas, gluten-free flour, and a rich peanut butter frosting, these bars are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert. This recipe is easy to follow and yields 16 generously sized servings.
Ingredients
Banana Bread Bars
- ½ cup granulated sugar (may substitute coconut sugar)
- ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas (300 g)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour (296 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
- 2 oz. cream cheese, softened (may substitute vegan cream cheese for dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened (may substitute softened coconut oil or vegan butter for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the bars from sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, eggs, plain yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mash the bananas thoroughly and stir them into the wet ingredient mixture.
- Add dry ingredients: Add the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and fine salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined.
- Bake the bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and creamy peanut butter. Use a handheld mixer to blend them together until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the frosting mixture while continuing to mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Frost and serve: Spread the peanut butter cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled banana bread bars. Optionally, top with sliced bananas or chopped peanuts for extra texture and flavor. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- If gluten is not a concern, regular all-purpose flour can be used instead of gluten-free flour.
- Top with sliced bananas or chopped peanuts for additional garnish and texture, if desired.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
