Banana Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

There’s something downright irresistible about Banana Cream Cheese Bars: they’re the perfect marriage of sweet, ripe bananas and luscious, tangy cream cheese, all baked together into soft, swirled perfection. Every bite is plush and moist, with that magical cream cheese swirl dancing through the tender banana cake base. It’s a dessert bar you just can’t say no to — easy enough to whip up on a whim, yet impressive enough to share at a gathering. If you’ve never baked with bananas and cream cheese this way before, get ready to fall in love with a new favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Banana Cream Cheese Bars so special is how the simplest ingredients, when combined just right, turn into something unforgettable. Each piece of this recipe plays a key role, whether in adding sweetness, creating that cloud-like texture, or turning the swirl into a creamy dream. Here’s what you need and a quick tip for each!

• Mashed ripe bananas (1 cup): Use bananas with plenty of brown spots for the sweetest, most flavorful base.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances the bananas and adds a little sparkle to the sweetness.
• Brown sugar (½ cup): Brings a rich caramel flavor and helps keep the bars moist.
• Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup): The melted butter makes these bars decadently soft and rich.
• Large egg (1): Binds everything together for that perfect, cakey texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Layers in warm, aromatic undertones that round out the flavor.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup): Keeps the bars tender — don’t overmix once it’s added!
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Gives the bars lift and prevents them from being dense.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just a touch to perk up all the sweet notes.
• Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): Makes the swirl ultra creamy — let it sit out so it mixes smoothly.
• Granulated sugar, for swirl (¼ cup): Sweetens the tangy cream cheese layer just right.
• Egg yolk (1): Adds richness and helps the cream cheese set into a lovely swirl.
• Vanilla extract, for swirl (½ teaspoon): Enhances that classic cheesecake flavor in every ribbon.

How to Make Banana Cream Cheese Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and either grease it generously or line it with parchment paper. I can’t recommend the parchment paper trick enough — it makes lifting out the bars and slicing them so much easier once they’re cool.

Step 2: Make the Banana Batter

In a big mixing bowl, mash those ripe bananas until they’re smooth with only a few little lumps (use a fork or potato masher). Add in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract, stirring it all together until you’ve got a well-blended, puddly mixture. Next, stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt — but stop as soon as everything’s combined, so your bars stay tender and soft.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy, then add the sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until the swirl batter is silky and homogenous — you want zero lumps, so the swirl bakes up beautifully creamy.

Step 4: Assemble and Swirl

Pour the banana batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Now comes the fun part: drop generous spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture all over the surface. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cream cheese into the banana batter. You don’t need to overdo it — a few gentle swirls create gorgeous ribbons.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pop your pan on the middle rack and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. You’ll know your Banana Cream Cheese Bars are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect!). Avoid overbaking to keep those bars ultra moist.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This patience pays off: the bars set up as they cool, making them easier to cut and intensifying their flavor. For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it between slices. Enjoy!

How to Serve Banana Cream Cheese Bars

Garnishes

If you want to take your Banana Cream Cheese Bars from delicious to downright decadent, try finishing them with a handful of chopped toasted walnuts or a flurry of mini chocolate chips on top. A light dusting of powdered sugar also looks beautiful and adds a little bakery style at home.

Side Dishes

These bars are wonderful with a cup of hot tea or fresh coffee for an afternoon treat. If you’re serving them for dessert, a little scoop of vanilla ice cream beside a chilled square can make each bite even dreamier. They also play well with fresh berries or a handful of sliced strawberries for color and a hint of tartness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut the Banana Cream Cheese Bars into small squares and serve as part of a dessert platter with other bar cookies or brownies. You could stack them on a tiered cake stand for a party, or wrap individual bars in parchment and tie them with string for a sweet lunchbox or picnic treat. They’re even lovely cut into “finger” shapes for a more playful, dippable snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

It’s hard to have leftovers with Banana Cream Cheese Bars, but if you do, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep at peak texture and flavor for about 4 days, staying delightfully moist and creamy.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and slide them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. When you crave a sweet bite, let a bar thaw in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours.

Reheating

These bars are absolutely delicious cold, but if you love a warm treat, pop one in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. That gentle heat brings out the banana aroma and makes the cream cheese swirl extra melty and luscious — pure comfort food!

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw them completely and drain off excess liquid before mashing — they’ll be just as flavorful, if not more so, than fresh bananas in your Banana Cream Cheese Bars.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can replace the brown sugar with more granulated sugar, though the bars may lack a hint of caramel richness. If possible, add a teaspoon of molasses to mimic that warm, deep flavor!

Can I add nuts or chocolate to the banana bars?

Definitely, go ahead and stir in a half cup of chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips to the banana batter for an added crunch or bursts of chocolatey goodness. They blend perfectly without overpowering the signature swirl.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The top should look set and lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs — watch closely in the last few minutes to avoid overbaking!

Are Banana Cream Cheese Bars best served chilled or at room temperature?

They taste fantastic both ways. If you want a firmer, more cheesecake-like texture, chill them. Prefer them extra soft and cakey? Serve at room temperature and savor every bite!

Final Thoughts

I absolutely adore sharing Banana Cream Cheese Bars with friends and family — they vanish fast at every gathering and never fail to wow. Whether you’re after a new way to use ripe bananas or simply craving something comforting and unique, these bars are simply the way to go. Give them a try and don’t be surprised if you find yourself baking them again and again!

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