Introduction
Banana Nut Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that combines the sweet, natural flavor of ripe bananas with the rich creaminess of frosting. Perfect for snack time, dessert, or even breakfast, this recipe is simple to follow and yields delicious results. The addition of walnuts gives these bars a lovely crunch, creating a satisfying texture that complements the moistness of the cake.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Banana Nut Bars:
– 3 medium ripe bananas
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ⅓ cup vegetable oil
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ¾ cup crushed walnuts
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (including cooling time)
Yield: About 12-16 bars
Enjoy making and savoring these delicious Banana Nut Bars topped with a creamy frosting for a treat that is sure to please!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to ensure the banana nut bars do not stick.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, mashed ripe bananas, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. Fold in ½ cup of the crushed walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Prepare for Baking
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to ensure even baking.
5. Bake the Bars
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer on medium speed. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until a thick and creamy frosting forms.
7. Frost the Bars
Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of crushed walnuts over the frosting for added texture and flavor.
8. Serve
Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve them as a delightful treat.
Notes
Storage Instructions
Cover and store the bars in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting, which requires refrigeration to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
Banana Ripeness
Make sure the bananas are ripe for optimal sweetness and flavor; they should have brown spots on the skin for the best results.
Substitutions
For a healthier alternative, consider substituting some of the vegetable oil with applesauce. You could also use a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar version.
Adding Flavor
Feel free to add chocolate chips or dried fruits to the batter for additional flavor and variety. Adjust the quantity of walnuts accordingly if adding other ingredients.
Cook techniques
Mashing Bananas
To achieve a smooth consistency in your batter, ensure that the bananas are ripe. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash them until they are completely smooth with no large chunks remaining.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
When combining the granulated sugar, mashed bananas, vegetable oil, and eggs, it’s important to stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This ensures even distribution of ingredients and helps create a light texture in the final product.
Combining Dry Ingredients
Incorporate the dry ingredients gradually into the wet mixture. This helps prevent lumps and ensures that the leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Folding in Walnuts
When adding the crushed walnuts, use a gentle folding technique rather than vigorous stirring. This keeps the air bubbles in the batter intact, contributing to a lighter texture in your banana nut bars.
Baking Tips
Keep an eye on the bars during the last few minutes of baking. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Overbaking can lead to dry bars.
Creaming Frosting Ingredients
Ensure that both the cream cheese and unsalted butter are softened at room temperature. This helps them blend together smoothly, creating a creamy and spreadable frosting.
Storing Banana Nut Bars
After frosting, cover the bars and store them in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage.
FAQ
Can I substitute the oil with butter?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor, but this may affect the texture slightly.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you have allergies or preferences against walnuts, you can replace them with other nuts like pecans or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
How long do the bars last in the refrigerator?
Stored properly, the banana nut bars can last up to one week in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the banana nut bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars without frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Is it necessary to frost the bars?
No, frosting is optional. The banana nut bars are delicious on their own and can be enjoyed plain if you prefer a less sweet treat.
Conclusion
The Banana Nut Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting offer a delightful combination of rich banana flavor and the crunchiness of walnuts, all topped with a creamy finish. This treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it be a cozy afternoon snack or a celebration dessert. The combination of ingredients ensures a moist and flavorful bar that will leave everyone wanting more.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Replace crushed walnuts with chocolate chips for a decadent twist on the classic banana bars.
Pineapple Coconut Banana Bars
Add crushed pineapple and shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flavor profile.
Peanut Butter Swirl Bars
Incorporate swirls of peanut butter into the banana batter before baking for a nutty combination.
Maple Glaze Topping
Instead of cream cheese frosting, drizzle the cooled bars with a maple syrup glaze for a unique touch.
Cinnamon Raisin Banana Bars
Fold in raisins and increase the ground cinnamon to create a cozy cinnamon raisin variation.
Bourbon Pecan Banana Bars
Add chopped pecans and a splash of bourbon to the batter for an adult version of banana bars.
Apple Cinnamon Banana Bars
Mix in diced apples and additional cinnamon for a fall-inspired treat.
Nut-Free Option
For a nut-free option, simply omit the walnuts and substitute with sunflower seeds or leave them out entirely.
