Banana Nut Bars – A Moist and Nutty Treat Topped with Creamy Frosting

If you're looking for a banana dessert that combines the richness of ripe bananas with the satisfying crunch of nuts and a deliciously smooth cream cheese frosting, these Banana Nut Bars are perfect for you! This sweet treat offers everything you love about banana bread but in the form of easy-to-cut and shareable bars, ideal for family gatherings, bake sales, or as a comforting dessert.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Banana Nut Bars

These Banana Nut Bars are an upgraded version of classic banana bread. By incorporating a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting and topping it off with chopped walnuts or pecans, this recipe brings a whole new level of flavor to an already beloved dessert. The moist banana base paired with the nutty crunch and creamy topping creates a harmony of textures and tastes in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a delicious way to use up ripe bananas while creating a dessert that feels a little more special than your average banana bread. The bars are soft, moist, and full of banana flavor, while the cream cheese frosting adds richness and a slight tanginess that complements the sweetness of the bars. Add the crunch of nuts on top, and you've got a perfectly balanced dessert that's sure to become a new favorite!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Bars):

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Fat: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 35g

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Perfect for Any Occasion

Banana Nut Bars are versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving them as an after-dinner dessert, a sweet snack with coffee or tea, or bringing them to a potluck, these bars are sure to please any crowd. Their portability also makes them ideal for bake sales or sharing with friends and neighbors.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Banana Nut Bars are perfect on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a beverage pairing, try a hot cup of coffee or tea to complement the creamy frosting and the nutty flavors.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration to stay fresh. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Fun Fact: The Wonders of Overripe Bananas

Overripe bananas (the ones with brown spots) are ideal for baking because they are sweeter and have a more concentrated flavor. Their softer texture also makes them easier to mash and incorporate into batters, making your baked goods extra moist.

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Baking Tips for the Best Banana Nut Bars

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter and frosting.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated to avoid tough bars.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before adding the cream cheese frosting to avoid melting the frosting.

Optional Variations

• Chocolate Chip Addition: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
• Coconut Topping: For a tropical spin, sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the frosting along with the nuts.
• Maple Drizzle: Drizzle a little maple syrup over the frosting for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.

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Banana Nut Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Bars:

• 1 cup salted butter, cold and cubed (2 sticks)
• ½ cup water
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
• ½ cup buttermilk or soured milk (see note below)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (measure after chopping)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup salted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups confectioners' sugar (powdered sugar)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (measure after chopping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bars: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15” cookie sheet or jelly roll pan. In a small saucepan, bring the cubed butter and water to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Batter: In a measuring cup, combine the buttermilk or soured milk with the baking soda and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, mashed bananas, buttermilk mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the flour, mixing until combined.
3. Incorporate the Butter Mixture: Carefully pour the slightly cooled butter mixture into the batter and mix until well combined. Stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans. Pour the batter into the prepared cookie sheet, spreading it evenly.
4. Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and beat again. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating after each addition until smooth and creamy.
6. Frost and Garnish: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the frosting. Refrigerate the bars for a few hours before cutting them into squares.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, slice the bars into squares and enjoy! Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

These Banana Nut Bars are a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of banana bread with the added richness of cream cheese frosting and the crunch of chopped nuts. Whether you're enjoying them with a cup of coffee or serving them as a dessert, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!