Banana Bars

Banana Bars are a great way to use up ripe bananas that you might otherwise throw away. The ripe bananas give the bars a naturally sweet flavor and a soft, gooey texture. They are a popular dessert option and are often served at potlucks, picnics, and parties. These banana bars are sure to satisfy your sweet craving.
Here’s a recipe for classic Banana Bars that are sweet, soft and gooey in the middle:
Serving size and preparation time:
This recipe makes about 16-20 bars, depending on how large you cut them.
Total preparation time, including baking and cooling, is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The actual hands-on preparation time is about 25 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Fold in the mashed bananas and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Stir in the chopped walnuts, if using.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the banana bars cool completely in the baking dish.
8. For the cream cheese frosting, in a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
9. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled banana bars. Serve and enjoy!

Note: The bars are usually topped with a creamy frosting, most commonly a cream cheese frosting, which adds a tangy flavor and richness to the bars.however, you can also add chocolate chips, caramel sauce, or a drizzle of melted chocolate to the frosting for extra deliciousness.
In addition to being a delicious treat, Banana Bars are also relatively easy to make. Most recipes only require a few basic ingredients that are commonly found in most kitchens, such as flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. The bars can be made in a 9×13 inch baking dish and can be baked in about 25-30 minutes.The bars are usually topped with a creamy frosting, most commonly a cream cheese frosting, which adds a tangy flavor and richness to the bars.
Overall, Banana Bars are a sweet, delicious, and convenient treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. Whether you’re in the mood for a snack or a sweet dessert, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!