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August 27, 2020 4 Comments

Frosted Banana Bars

A stack of four small white plates infront of a large sheet pan of partially eaten frosted banana bars. On top of the stack of plates there is one banana bar and a fork is stuck in it getting ready to take a bite. Next time you need to take a sheet pan of dessert somewhere, I vote you make these delicious Frosted Banana Bars. The ingredients are super basic, and the flavor is perfection. That banana-bread-like bar, with the sweet buttercream frosting is a classic combination everyone will LOVE! If you’ve got some over ripe bananas on your counter or in your freezer, you’re in business…if you don’t, may I recommend  these Oatmeal Chocolate Fudge Bars. They are also a huge crowd pleaser!

Another fun option with this yummy recipe is to use it as a snack instead of a dessert. To do this you still make it in a large sheet pan, but instead of frosting it you leave it plain or give it a light dusting of powdered sugar. You could also throw in a few chocolate chips before baking if you want to. This recipe really couldn’t be simpler, and the basic ingredients are most likely things you keep in your pantry. It’s a total keeper, and one you will turn to again and again.

a sheet pan of banana bars that has had some taken out. You can see the texture of the banana bar More great recipes to use up ripe bananas:

  • Amish Banana Bread
  • Banana Bundt Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting and Chocolate Ganache
  • Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes
  • Over Night Oatmeal with Banana and Chia Seeds
  • Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
  • Classic Banana Bread
  • The Best Banana Cookies
  • Whole Wheat Banana Muffins with Coconut Oil and Greek Yogurt
  • Best Ever Banana Bundt Cake Recipe
  • Banana Zucchini Bread {Bikini Bread}

a stack of white plates in front of a large cookie sheet with banana bars in it. The top plate has a banana bar on it that has had one bite taken out. How to Make Frosted Banana Bars

A step by step picture collage of all the steps it takes to make frosted banana barsFrequently asked questions about frosted banana bars:

Can I make this recipe in a 9×13 pan or does it have to be in a sheet Pan?

Yes, you can absolutely make this recipe in a 9×13 pan. It will be twice as thick and will be more difficult to eat as a bar. It would be more like a dense banana cake. The cooking time will need to be increased. It will most likely take an additional 10-15 minutes to cook. The best thing to do would be to start by adding 10 minutes and then checking it in the center with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out with batter on it add 3-5 more minutes and check again. Do this until toothpick comes out clean.

HOw many Ripe Banana’s will i need to make this recipe?

You will need approximately three ripe bananas to make this recipe. It really depends on the size of the bananas. If the bananas you have are really big, you may only need two. If the bananas you have are really small,you may need four. Like most recipes that use ripe bananas, it will not hurt the recipe to have a little less then the recipe calls for or a little more. As far as the amount of banana goes, this recipe is very forgiving.

Can i use whole wheat flour in this recipe?

Yes, if you aren’t used to the slightly different texture whole-wheat flour gives baked goods, I suggest using half whole-wheat flour half all-purpose flour. Can I use gluten free flour In this recipe?

If you have a good blended gluten free flour it should be fine. I have personally never tried it, but my sister substitutes a good gluten free blend that she buys at Costco in most of her favorite baking recipes and gets good results. This recipe shouldn’t be any different.

stack of small white plates with one frosted banana bar on top, sitting on a grey table clothDo these need to be REFRIGERATED?

No, they do not need to be refrigerated, but they will stay fresh longer if you store them in the fridge. On the counter they will stay fresh for 2-3 days. In the fridge they will stay fresh for 4-5.

Can I make these a day or two ahead of when I need them?

Yes, if you do so, keep them completely covered and in the fridge until the day you need them.

Do These Frosted Banana Bars Freeze Well?

These bars do freeze well but sometimes it can be tricky to freeze things that are frosted and not have issues with the frosting partly coming off or looking a little wet when they defrost. I suggest freezing the bar part un-frosted, and then frosting them when you take them out of the freezer. Anytime you freeze a baked good you want to make sure it is wrapped well or in an airtight bag. With these it works well to double wrap the entire pan with plastic wrap and then cover it with foil. If you are only freezing them for a few days you can skip the tinfoil.

pinterest collage for frosted banana bars. two pictures separated by the name of the recipe.

Awesome Bars and Cookie Bars

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Frosted Banana Bars
 
Print
Prep time
15 mins
Cook time
20 mins
Total time
35 mins
 
You'll love that this delicious recipe makes an entire sheet pan of sweet Frosted Banana Bars. Perfect to feed a crowd or enjoy with your family. If you aren't into frosting, try adding chocolate chips to the batter or giving the bars a light dusting of powdered sugar. YUM!
Author: Slightly Adapted from Taste of Home
Recipe type: Dessert
Serves: 24-30
Ingredients
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1⅓ cups mashed bananas (approximately 3 bananas)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • FOR THE FROSTING
  • ½ cup butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 3-4 tbsp of heavy cream or milk or evaporated milk (any of those will work fine)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Spray a sheet pan (10x15) with cooking spray and set aside
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for about three minutes.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla and beat them in until well combined.
  5. Next add the flour, baking soda and salt. Mix in until well combined, careful not to over mix. Stir in the bananas.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let cool completely before frosting.
  8. FOR THE FROSTING
  9. In a small or medium mixing bowl beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and 3 tbsp of the cream or milk. When it is well combined and smooth, check the consistency. You can add an additional tbsp of cream or milk at this point if needed.
  10. Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled bars.
  11. Enjoy!
3.4.3177

 

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large sheet pan of frosted banana bars, the frosting is white and the pan is silver

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4 Comments

  1. Jo Slater

    September 25, 2020 at 9:19 pm

    Re Frosted Banana Bars, you mention the bananas in the ilisyed ngredients but NOT in the method please advise at which point the bananas should be incorporated during the mixing process. Thank you.

    reply to this comment
    • Maria

      September 28, 2020 at 4:17 pm

      Hi Jo, sorry about that, thank you for bringing it to my attention. I fixed it in the recipe now. The bananas get stirred in after you mix in the dry ingredients.

      reply to this comment
  2. Monika

    February 10, 2021 at 4:34 am

    I know these will be a hit! Thank you for sharing! I cannot wait to try this with my girls.
    #febgiveaway

    reply to this comment
    • Maria

      February 13, 2021 at 1:18 pm

      Awesome! Such a great way to use up those ripe bananas!

      reply to this comment

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Hi, I'm Maria. A mom of five and a total foodie. My superpower is taking ordinary recipes and making them DELICIOUS. Your family will LOVE these meals! Come cook with me, I promise it will be amazing! Get started here or search my archives below.


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