The BEST Frosted Banana Bread Bar Recipe!

These easy, moist, and delicious frosted banana bread bars are perfect for using those extra ripened bananas you have out on the counter! They have the most delicious banana bread base topped with a cinnamon roll-style frosting on top! This frosted banana bread recipe is now one of my favorites. You need to try this recipe over the weekend.

Frosted Banana Bread Bars

THE BEST RECIPE!

Whenever Kyle asks if he can throw out the brown bananas sitting on the counter, I always say, “no, I will make banana bread.” He always laughs because I hardly ever end up making banana bread! I’ll usually slice up the banana and store them in the freezer for smoothies or watch them wilt away on the countertop. Last weekend, I would not let the joke continue, so I made the most delicious frosted banana bars I’ve ever had!

Frosted banana bars were a staple in the Midwest. Anytime there was a brunch or potluck, at least two people brought in the banana bars. They are a crowd-pleaser and a real treat with coffee on a Saturday morning.

My family was over on Saturday morning, and Kyle was busy planting trees in the backyard. He was so excited when he came in and smelled the banana bars! He loves banana-flavored desserts. I love that he’s a tough critic with food. He’ll tell me if something is too salty or sweet or to anything. He said these were one of the best things I’ve ever made! After writing down all the ingredients, I slipped the piece of paper into a laminated folder and stored it in my recipe binder so I could make it for years to come!

HOW TO MAKE FROSTED BANANA BREAD BARS VIDEO

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Looking for a gluten-free banana bar? Try these new frosted banana bars made with gluten-free flour!

 

Banana Bread Bars Ingredients

These frosted banana bars are made with simple ingredients; you most likely already have them all in your house! You can make a few swaps to fit your dietary needs, and I’ll include those below! 

• extra ripened bananas 
• unsalted butter at room temperature – vegan butter works
• sugar 
• vanilla extract
• eggs
• all-purpose flour – you may swap for an all-purpose gluten-free flour
• baking soda
• sea salt 

*Adding chopped walnuts is optional! I will try making these next time with walnuts.

Frosting Ingredients

• unsalted butter – vegan butter works
• vanilla extract
• powdered sugar
• milk – you can use almond milk or any milk alternatives

I’ve never been a fan of cream cheese frosting, so I stick with more of a cinnamon-roll-style icing! 

What size baking dish do I need for this recipe?

You will need a greased 15 x 10 baking dish. A 9 x 13 dish will work, too; pay attention to the baking time. 

How to Make Frosted Banana Bread Bars

Step One: 
Mix the sugar and room-temperature butter at a high speed for about five minutes. The two ingredients will look light and fluffy. 

Step Two:
Add in the mashed bananas, 3 large eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix on a low speed for about one minute. 

Step Three:
Mix in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix on a low speed for about thirty seconds.

Step Four: 
Transfer the batter to a 10 x 15 greased baking pan. Spread evenly.

Step Five:
Bake for about 25-minutes at 350-degrees. The edges will be slightly brown, and the center should come out clean with a toothpick. Let the bars cool for about 20-minutes on the countertop. 

How to Make Frosting for Banana Bread Bars

Step One: 
Add melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to a mixer. Mix at a high speed for about one minute. 

Step Two: 
Mix in another cup of powdered sugar and milk. Mix at a high speed for about 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Here are some of my favorite desserts for you to try:
The Best Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Ever!
Healthier Peach Crumble | Gluten-Free & No Refined Sugar
The Best Zucchini Bread Recipe | Moist & Simple Ingredients
Pineberry Peach Almond Cake with Buttercream Frosting
Peaches N’ Cream Pretzel Dessert | Refreshing & Light
Blueberry Cobbler Ice Cream Bowls With Homemade Granola
Fun & Festive Scotcheroos | No Bake & Easy to Make!
Lemon Olive Oil Cake With Lemons Fresh From The Garden
The Best Almond Flavored Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Step Three:
While the bars are still warm (but not hot), spread the frosting over the top evenly. It’s OK if the frosting starts to melt. This will give the frosting the same texture as frosted cinnamon rolls. 

Step Four:
Place the frosted banana bars into the refrigerator until the icing becomes firm! They are usually ready to eat in about 45-minutes! 

How should I store my frosted banana bars?

Container: Place them in an airtight container to keep them moist and prevent the frosting from drying out. Store them for up to 3 days at room temperature or 7 days in the refrigerator. Personally, I think chilled frosted banana bars are the best!

You can also freeze them for longer storage. First, let the bars freeze on a baking pan. Once they are frozen, individually wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in a zip-top bag.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, let the bars thaw on the counter for about 20 minutes or microwave them for 10–15 seconds.
There are so many recipes on the internet for banana bread bars, but what I love about this recipe is that the ingredients are simple. You don’t have to run to the store for buttercream, banana extract, nuts, sour cream, or other not-so-common ingredients.

I am so excited for you to try out this recipe! If you do, tag me on social media and return to leave a review! Those always help me decide what to share here on the blog. 

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Questions for you!

1. Have you ever had frosted banana bread bars?
2. Do you ever say you’ll make banana bread from old bananas but never do?
3. What is your favorite Easter recipe?