Get ready to fall in love with the irresistible combination of fruit and creamy decadence in these Banana Cream Cheese Bars. Imagine luscious layers of sweet banana cake swirled with tangy cream cheese, baked to golden perfection. They’re soft, moist, and just the right amount of indulgent—ideal for everything from potlucks to weekday snacks. If you’re after a treat that’s as simple to make as it is show-stopping, you’ll want Banana Cream Cheese Bars on your baking list again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Banana Cream Cheese Bars is that they come together with just a handful of familiar staples, yet every ingredient plays a starring role. Each brings its own unique flavor, texture, or richness—absolutely essential for that perfect balance in every bite.
- Mashed ripe bananas: The riper the better for ultimate sweetness and pronounced banana flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and works with the bananas for a fluffy cake layer.
- Brown sugar: Gives the bars a subtle caramel richness and extra moisture.
- Unsalted butter (softened): For luxurious moisture and a tender crumb.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and help bind everything together.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant warmth that complements both banana and cream cheese.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives these bars their heft without making them too dense.
- Baking powder & baking soda: The duo that ensures a light, fluffy rise.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Cream cheese (softened): The heart of the swirl—ultra creamy and tangy for that signature marble effect.
- Extra granulated sugar (for swirl): Sweetens the cream cheese for a luscious swirl.
- Egg yolk: Enriches the cream cheese mixture and helps it set beautifully when baked.
- More vanilla extract (for cream cheese): For added depth in the swirl layer.
How to Make Banana Cream Cheese Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light greasing. This guarantees that your Banana Cream Cheese Bars come out easily, keeping every swirl and crumb perfectly intact.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Take your time with this—it creates that light, fluffy foundation we want for the bars, ensuring they’re moist and tender.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Bananas, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Next, mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. This not only adds sweetness but loads your bars with a dreamy, banana-forward flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This quick step distributes the leaveners evenly, ensuring your Banana Cream Cheese Bars rise beautifully and bake up with the ideal texture.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet banana mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Avoid over-mixing—this keeps the bars soft and light, never tough.
Step 6: Fill the Pan
Pour the banana batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Make sure the batter reaches all the edges so your bars bake evenly and every slice is as delicious as the next.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Dropping spoonfuls of this luscious swirl on top of your banana batter is where the magic happens.
Step 8: Swirl and Bake
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture throughout the batter, making gorgeous marble patterns. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Resist the urge to over-bake—moist is the goal here!
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan for the best texture and most beautiful swirls. Once cool, slice into 16 generous bars and admire your handiwork.
How to Serve Banana Cream Cheese Bars
Garnishes
Dress up your Banana Cream Cheese Bars with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a sprinkle of toasted walnuts. Each adds a finishing touch and highlights the flavor profile in a fun, personal way.
Side Dishes
These bars are delightful alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea, or as a contrast to a cool scoop of vanilla ice cream. For brunch, try pairing them with fresh fruit or a simple fruit compote to balance their creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For your next gathering, try cutting the bars into bite-sized cubes and skewering them with toothpicks for a playful dessert platter. Banana Cream Cheese Bars can also double as a decadent breakfast treat or picnic snack when wrapped individually.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Banana Cream Cheese Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep beautifully for up to 5 days, staying soft and flavorful—if they last that long!
Freezing
Freezing these bars is a breeze. Simply layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you love your Banana Cream Cheese Bars warm, a quick 10–15 seconds in the microwave brings them right back to just-baked softness. For a slightly crisp edge, pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes instead.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Thaw frozen bananas and drain off excess liquid before mashing and adding to your batter. The bars will still turn out moist and flavorful.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely. A half cup of chopped walnuts or your favorite chocolate chips takes Banana Cream Cheese Bars to the next level, adding crunch or extra richness.
Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
Because of the cream cheese swirl, it’s best to store them in the fridge to keep the texture perfect and the flavors fresh.
Can I make Banana Cream Cheese Bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—just watch the texture and bake time, as it may vary slightly.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges will be lightly golden, and the cream cheese swirl will look set but still tender.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Banana Cream Cheese Bars enough—each bite is a soft, swirled slice of comfort and joy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe is bound to earn a permanent place in your collection. Give them a try and prepare for those happy requests for seconds!
Print
Banana Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Banana Cream Cheese Bars, a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich cream cheese swirl. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack!
Ingredients
Main Batter:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, cream together butter, sugars, and bananas. Add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then mix into the wet mixture.
- Pour batter into the pan.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla in a bowl.
- Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture over batter and swirl.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until done. Cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Enhance with walnuts or chocolate chips.
- Store bars in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
