These delightful cream cheese cinnamon banana bars are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. With the moistness of ripe bananas and the creamy richness of cinnamon-infused frosting, this recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite in your household.
Photos of Cream Cheese Cinnamon Banana Bars Recipe
Some of the ingredients you might not always have on hand include sour cream, applesauce, and pecans. These items can usually be found in the dairy, baking, and nut sections of your local supermarket. Be sure to check labels and quantities to ensure you get the freshest and best quality products.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Cinnamon Banana Bars
all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your bars, providing structure and texture.
granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the bars, balancing the flavors.
baking powder: Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
baking soda: Works with the baking powder to ensure proper leavening.
salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess.
vegetable oil: Provides moisture and richness.
applesauce: Adds moisture and a hint of fruitiness without extra fat.
egg: Binds the ingredients together.
bananas: Provide natural sweetness and moisture.
pecans: Add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
cream cheese: Forms the base of the frosting, adding creamy richness.
butter: Adds smoothness and flavor to the frosting.
vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy notes to the frosting.
powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
One reader, Kenon Mcmahon says:
These cream cheese cinnamon banana bars are absolutely delightful! The combination of moist banana cake and the creamy, cinnamon-spiced frosting is heavenly. Perfect for any occasion, they were a hit at my family gathering. Easy to make and incredibly delicious!
Essential Techniques for Making Cream Cheese Cinnamon Banana Bars
How to mix ingredients: Use an electric mixer on low speed to combine the ingredients until smooth. How to bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake the mixture for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. How to make frosting: Combine cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and powdered sugar, then mix until smooth and fluffy. How to frost: Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled banana bars. How to cut bars: Cut the frosted banana bars into individual servings.
How To Make Cream Cheese Cinnamon Banana Bars
These sweet banana bars will easily become a crowd favorite with their addicting fluffiness, and the luscious and rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
Instructions
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- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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- Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sour cream, vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, and banana in a large mixing bowl, then mix with an electric mixer on low speed for 2 minutes.
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- Pour the mixture into a buttered 13×9-inch baking dish and spread evenly into the pan.
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- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
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- Combine the cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl, then mix for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
To Assemble:
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- Frost the banana bars with cinnamon cream cheese frosting and sprinkle optional chopped nuts evenly over the top.
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- Cut into bars, serve, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
For thicker, cake-like banana bars, make 1.5 of the recipe in a 13×9-inch pan, or do just 1 of the recipe in a 9×9 pan and bake for a bit longer.
Nutrition
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- Calories: 247.79kcal
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- Fat: 11.00g
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- Saturated Fat: 3.64g
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- Trans Fat: 0.12g
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- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.05g
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- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.43g
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- Carbohydrates: 36.36g
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- Fiber: 0.93g
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- Sugar: 26.17g
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- Protein: 2.27g
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- Cholesterol: 25.66mg
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- Sodium: 121.09mg
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- Calcium: 29.40mg
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- Potassium: 95.93mg
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- Iron: 0.70mg
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- Vitamin A: 54.30µg
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- Vitamin C: 1.81mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Cream Cheese Cinnamon Banana Bars
When mixing the batter for the banana bars, ensure that the bananas are fully mashed and incorporated to avoid any large chunks. This will help achieve a smoother texture and more even baking.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Delicious Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before you start. This will save time and make the process smoother.
Use a food processor: Quickly mash the bananas and chop the pecans using a food processor.
Room temperature dairy: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing.
One-bowl method: Mix all dry ingredients and wet ingredients in one bowl to minimize cleanup.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven before you begin mixing to save waiting time.
Substitute Ingredients For Cream Cheese Cinnamon Banana Bars Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the bars denser.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp cream of tartar to mimic the leavening effect.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 1 tsp baking powder for every 1/4 tsp baking soda, but this may slightly alter the texture.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can add a different mineral profile and a slightly different flavor.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture with added protein.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor and is a healthier fat option.
applesauce - Substitute with mashed banana: Mashed banana adds natural sweetness and moisture, complementing the banana flavor in the bars.
egg - Substitute with flax egg: Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water to create a vegan alternative that binds ingredients similarly.
bananas - Substitute with pumpkin puree: Pumpkin puree provides a similar moisture content and a different but complementary flavor.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts offer a similar texture and nutty flavor, making them a good alternative.
cream cheese - Substitute with mascarpone cheese: Mascarpone cheese has a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, though it is slightly sweeter.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a dairy-free alternative with a similar texture and flavor.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor that complements the other ingredients.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, spicy flavor that can replace cinnamon in a pinch.
powdered sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar blended into powder: Blended coconut sugar provides a similar texture with a lower glycemic index and a slight caramel flavor.
Best Way to Present This Delectable Dessert
Serve smaller portion sizes: Cut the banana bars into elegant, bite-sized pieces to create a refined presentation. This allows for a more sophisticated and controlled portion, perfect for a high-end dining experience.
Use decoration: Garnish each piece with a delicate sprinkle of finely chopped pecans and a light dusting of cinnamon. Add a small edible flower or a mint leaf for a touch of color and elegance.
Plate with precision: Arrange the banana bars on a pristine white plate in a staggered or circular pattern to create visual interest. Ensure each piece is evenly spaced to highlight the individual portions.
Add a sauce drizzle: Create a simple caramel sauce or chocolate ganache and lightly drizzle it around the plate, not over the bars, to add a touch of luxury and enhance the flavor profile.
Incorporate texture: Add a small quenelle of whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone next to each banana bar. This adds a creamy texture contrast to the moist bars and the smooth frosting.
Highlight the frosting: Use a piping bag to apply the cinnamon cream cheese frosting in a decorative pattern on top of each bar. This not only looks professional but also ensures an even distribution of frosting.
Use a stylish serving board: Present the banana bars on a wooden or slate serving board to add a rustic yet elegant touch. This contrasts beautifully with the refined plating and adds a tactile element to the presentation.
Incorporate height: Stack a couple of banana bars slightly offset on top of each other to add height and dimension to the plate. This creates a more dynamic and visually appealing presentation.
Finish with a glaze: Lightly brush the top of each banana bar with a thin layer of apricot glaze to give them a glossy finish. This adds a professional touch and enhances the visual appeal.
Serve with a complementary beverage: Pair the banana bars with a small glass of espresso or a shot of dessert wine. This not only complements the flavors but also elevates the overall dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Cream Cheese Cinnamon Banana Bars
Oven: Used to bake the banana bars at a consistent temperature of 350 degrees F.
Electric mixer: Helps to combine the ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to hold and mix all the ingredients for the banana bars.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, sour cream, and other ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
Spatula: Useful for spreading the batter evenly in the baking dish and for frosting the bars.
13x9-inch baking dish: The dish in which the banana bars will be baked.
Toothpick: Used to check if the banana bars are fully baked by inserting it into the center.
Butter knife: Handy for spreading the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the banana bars.
Cutting board: Used for chopping the pecans if you choose to add them as a topping.
Knife: For chopping the pecans and cutting the banana bars into individual servings.
Cooling rack: Allows the banana bars to cool evenly after baking.
Sifter: Helps to sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps in the frosting.
Small bowl: Useful for mixing the cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
Storing and Freezing Cream Cheese Cinnamon Banana Bars: A Guide
Allow the cream cheese cinnamon banana bars to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the bars soggy.
To store the bars, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you want to freeze the bars, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date and contents. Frozen banana bars can be stored for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen bars, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. Alternatively, you can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
For best results, freeze the bars without the cream cheese frosting. When you're ready to serve, let the bars thaw and then prepare the frosting and spread it on top.
If you have already frosted the bars and need to freeze them, place them uncovered in the freezer for about an hour until the frosting is firm. Then, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, consume the banana bars within a month of freezing.
How To Reheat Leftover Cream Cheese Cinnamon Banana Bars
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cream cheese cinnamon banana bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the bars loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. The foil will help to retain moisture and prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting too quickly.
If you prefer a softer, more moist texture, you can reheat the bars in the microwave. Place a single bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 15-20 seconds. If the bar is not heated through, continue microwaving in 5-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the bars, as this can cause the cream cheese frosting to melt and become runny.
For a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey interior, you can reheat the bars in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the bars in the basket, leaving some space between each one. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on the bars to ensure they don't burn or become too crispy.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat the bars quickly and easily. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the bars on the wire rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method is ideal if you want to reheat a small number of bars without using your full-sized oven.
For a gentle reheating method that won't dry out the bars or melt the cream cheese frosting, you can use a steamer. Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the bars in a heat-proof dish and set it inside the steamer basket. Cover the pot and steam the bars for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This method will keep the bars moist and soft without compromising the texture of the frosting.
Interesting Trivia About Cream Cheese Cinnamon Banana Bars
A fun fact about this cream cheese cinnamon banana bars recipe is that the inclusion of applesauce helps to keep the bars moist while also reducing the amount of oil needed, making it a slightly healthier option.
Is Making Cream Cheese Cinnamon Banana Bars at Home Cost-Effective?
The cream cheese cinnamon banana bars recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With common pantry staples like flour, sugar, and vegetable oil, and the addition of ripe bananas and cream cheese, the overall cost remains low. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Are Cream Cheese Cinnamon Banana Bars Healthy or Unhealthy?
The cream cheese cinnamon banana bars recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side. The high sugar content from both granulated and powdered sugar, along with the saturated fat from cream cheese and butter, can contribute to excessive calorie intake. Additionally, the recipe relies on refined all-purpose flour, which lacks the beneficial fiber and nutrients found in whole grain alternatives.
To make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the batter and replace a portion of it with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
- Swap out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour or a gluten-free alternative like almond flour to increase the fiber content
- Replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a protein boost and reduced fat content
- Use a combination of mashed bananas and unsweetened applesauce to replace some of the oil, further reducing the calorie count
- Opt for reduced-fat cream cheese in the frosting and decrease the amount of powdered sugar, relying more on the natural sweetness of the cinnamon and vanilla extract
- Incorporate additional nutrient-dense ingredients like chia seeds, flaxseed meal, or protein powder to enhance the nutritional profile of the bars
Editor's Opinion on the Cream Cheese Cinnamon Banana Bars Recipe
This recipe for cream cheese cinnamon banana bars is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The moist banana base, enriched with sour cream and applesauce, promises a tender crumb. The cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, enhancing the overall taste. The inclusion of pecans provides a pleasant crunch, making each bite more interesting. It's a well-rounded dessert that is both comforting and indulgent, ideal for any occasion.
Enhance Your Cream Cheese Cinnamon Banana Bars Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Cream Cheese Cinnamon Banana Bars
Appetizers and Main Courses That Complement Cream Cheese Cinnamon Banana Bars
Why trust this Cream Cheese Cinnamon Banana Bars Recipe:
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the rich, tangy flavor of cream cheese for a delightful treat. The addition of cinnamon in the frosting adds a warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with the moist banana bars. Using sour cream and applesauce ensures a tender, moist texture, while the pecans provide a satisfying crunch. Trust this recipe for its balanced blend of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
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