Lighter Frosted Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Frosted Banana Bars
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Category: Dessert
Keywords: Fruit, < 60 Mins, For Large Groups, Oven, Easy

Description:
Delight in these Frosted Banana Bars, a scrumptious treat that combines the natural sweetness of bananas with a light, creamy frosting. This recipe, adapted from Taste of Home Magazine, has been modified to lower the fat content while still delivering a moist and delicious dessert. With less sugar and fewer eggs, and the addition of tangy sour cream, these bars are perfect for a sweet indulgence that doesn’t compromise on taste. They’re ideal for large gatherings or simply a family treat, and the frosting adds a luxurious touch that makes them irresistible.

Ingredients:

For the Bars:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup light sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup light cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 3/4 to 4 cups confectioners’ sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15×10-inch baking pan to prepare it for the batter.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, a process which should take about 2-3 minutes.

3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Next, mix in 1 cup of light sour cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.

5. Add Bananas: Fold in 2 mashed bananas, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6. Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

7. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

8. Prepare the Frosting: For the frosting, in a medium mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of light cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of butter until smooth and creamy. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually incorporate 3 3/4 to 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar, beating continuously until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

9. Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.

10. Store and Serve: Cut into bars and store them in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm. Enjoy these delightful treats chilled or at room temperature!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 187
• Fat Content: 7.6g
• Saturated Fat Content: 4.6g
• Cholesterol Content: 30.8mg
• Sodium Content: 126.3mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 28.4g
• Fiber Content: 0.4g
• Sugar Content: 21.6g
• Protein Content: 2g

Enjoy these delicious, lighter Frosted Banana Bars that are perfect for any occasion. Their moist, tender texture paired with a smooth, creamy frosting makes them a favorite for dessert lovers of all ages! 🍌✨