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The BEST Frosted Banana Bread Bar Recipe!

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These easy, moist, and delicious Frosted Banana Bread Bars are one of my favorite ways to use up ripe bananas! This easy banana bars recipe has all the cozy flavor of homemade banana bread baked into soft, easy-to-slice bars and topped with a sweet, fluffy cinnamon roll-style frosting. They’re perfect for brunch, dessert, potlucks, or enjoying with a cup of coffee.

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Why You’ll Love These Frosted Banana Bars

Easy to make: These banana bars are simple to mix together and bake in one pan.

Perfect for ripe bananas: They’re one of my favorite recipes for using those brown bananas sitting on the counter.

Soft and moist: The banana bread-inspired base stays incredibly soft and moist.

That frosting: The fluffy cinnamon roll-style frosting makes these bars feel extra special.

Great for sharing: Cut them into squares for brunches, parties, potlucks, holidays, or an easy dessert.

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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!frosted banana bars

HOW TO MAKE FROSTED BANANA BREAD BARS VIDEO

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

What kind of bananas are best for banana bars?

The best bananas for banana bread bars are very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. I use three medium bananas, which equals about 1 1/2 cups mashed. If your bananas are still mostly yellow or green, I recommend waiting a little longer before making this recipe.

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! 

The Best Icing for Banana Bread Bars

Instead of cream cheese frosting, these banana bread bars are topped with a simple buttery vanilla icing made with powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and milk. It reminds me of the frosting on a cinnamon roll! I spread it over the banana bars while they’re still slightly warm so the icing melts into the top just a little. Once chilled, it firms back up and creates the BEST sweet layer over the soft banana bars.

If your icing is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time. If it becomes too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the consistency you like.

What size baking dish do I need for this recipe?

You will need a greased 10 x 15 baking dish. pay attention to the baking time. 

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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 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. 

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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.

Tips for the Best Banana Bread Bars

These banana bread bars are simple to make, but a few little things make a big difference!

  • Use very ripe bananas. Bananas covered in brown spots will give the bars the best sweetness and banana flavor.
  • Use room-temperature butter. This helps the butter and sugar cream together until light and fluffy.
  • Measure your mashed bananas. Three medium bananas should give you about 1 1/2 cups mashed banana.
  • Don’t overmix the batter. Once you add the flour, mix just until everything is combined.
  • Don’t overbake the bars. Remove them when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Frost them while they’re slightly warm. This is my favorite part! The frosting melts slightly into the top of the bars and gives them that cinnamon-roll-style icing.
  • Chill before slicing. Letting the frosting firm up in the refrigerator makes the bars much easier to slice.

More Easy Dessert Recipes

If you love these frosted banana bread bars, try a few of my other favorite easy desserts:

1963 Banana Bread From Vintage Better Homes & Gardens
The Best Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
The Most Delicious Gluten-Free Frosted Banana Bread Bars
Streusel Banana Bread Muffins
Frosted Zucchini Cake Bars
Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
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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! 

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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. frosted banana bread bars, baking, bananas, easy to bake, what to do with extra ripe bananas, frosting, moist banana bread, banana bread recipe, banana bar recipe, banana dessert, banana recipes, breakfast ideasThere 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.

Frosted Banana Bread Bars FAQs

What is the difference between banana bread and banana bars?

Banana bread is typically baked in a loaf pan and has a thicker, bread-like shape. Banana bars are baked in a larger, shallow baking pan, which gives them a softer, thinner texture that’s perfect for topping with frosting. These banana bread bars have all the flavor of classic banana bread but are served like a frosted dessert bar.

How ripe should bananas be for banana bars?

The riper, the better! I like to use bananas that have lots of brown spots and are very soft. Extra-ripe bananas are sweeter, easier to mash, and give the banana bars more flavor.

Can I make banana bars in a 9 x 13 pan?

Yes! You can make these banana bars in a 9 x 13 baking dish instead of a 10 x 15 pan. Because the bars will be thicker, keep an eye on the baking time and use a toothpick inserted into the center to check for doneness.

Can I make frosted banana bars ahead of time?

Yes! These are a great make-ahead dessert. I actually love them chilled. Make the banana bars, frost them, and store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Can you freeze banana bars with frosting?

Yes. Let the frosted banana bars freeze on a baking sheet or in the baking dish first. Once firm, wrap individual bars or place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. Thaw them before serving.

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Frosted Banana Bread Bars

Taralynn
These banana bread bars are so easy to make, and the cinnamon-roll-style frosting will have you going back for more!
5 from 13 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 20 Banana Bread Bars

Ingredients
  

Banana Bread Bars
  • 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter at room temperature
  • 2 Cups Sugar
  • 3 Medium Extra-Ripened Bananas about 1 1/2 cups
  • 3 Large Eggs
  • 3 Tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour sub for gluten-free flour
  • 1 Tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/4 Tsp Salt
Frosting for Banana Bread Bars
  • 3 Cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1/2 Cup Melted Unsalted Butter
  • 2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 3-5 Tbsp Milk your choice of milk alternative

Instructions
 

Banana Bread Bars

  • Preheat oven to 350-degrees.
  • With an electric mixer, combine room temperature butter and sugar for about 5-minutes at high speed until the texture is light and fluffy.
  • Mix in the eggs, vanilla, and mashed banana. Combine for 1-minute at a medium-low speed.
  • Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt at a low speed. Combine for about 30-seconds.
  • Transfer batter to a greased 10 x 15 baking dish. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the bars cool for about 20-minutes on the countertop.

Frosting for Banana Bread Bars

  • High speed, combine one cup of powdered sugar, melted butter, and vanilla.
  • Add in the remaining powdered sugar and three tablespoons of milk. Beat on a high speed for about 3-minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  • While the bars are still slightly warm, evenly spread the frosting over the top.
    Don't worry if some of the frosting starts to melt, this will give it the cinnamon-roll style icing.
  • Place bars into the refrigerator for about 45-minutes!
  • Slice into 20 bars and enjoy!

Notes

Storing: 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. 
Tip: heat banana bread bar in the microwave for 10-seconds for the best morning breakfast to go with coffee!
Keyword banana bread bars, banana bars, banana bars recipe, frosted banana bars, banana bread bars recipe
Tried this recipe?Leave a Rating!

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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. 

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?
Welcome!

I’m Taralynn

Lifestyle & Food Blogger

Hi, and welcome! I’m glad you’re here. Simply Taralynn is my lifestyle blog where I share bits of everyday life as a mom, favorite recipes, travel guides, and more. I’ve been blogging for fifteen years! 

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5 from 13 votes

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17 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    They look so delicious! And I have a version of them several times because I do live in the Midwest and they were always at all the showers, funerals and parties!
    I also wanted to let you know that I’ve heard of a new mother book by Anne Lamott called Operating Instructions and thought you may want to check it out before baby is born! Sounds very helpful! But I’m sure you will both be just fine as parents, I know you like to read though! Have a wonderful week! 💜

    Reply

  2. 5 stars
    Just made these and waiting on them in the fridge now lol. How long do these last in the fridge? Can’t wait to try them 😋

    Reply

  3. 5 stars
    They were moist and flavorful!

    Reply

  4. 5 stars
    We used gluten free flour with this recipe and it was awesome! My parents could not even tell that it was gluten free and my sister wanted the recipe. I don’t often review recipes online but thought I should let anyone know who is looking to make this one gluten-free.

    Reply

    1. What kind of gluten free flour did you use? I’d love to make these for some friends.

      Reply

      1. Hi, Tammy! Whenever I make these gluten-free, I always use the Trader Joe’s gluten-free flour or Bob’s Red Mill GF Flour! 🙂

        Reply

  5. 5 stars
    A fabulous recipe! We loved the icing so much.

    Reply
  6. Halie Anne says:

    5 stars
    I can’t wait to make this recipe for my family when I get home from college! My roomies and I loved it.

    Reply

  7. 5 stars
    The house smells like a bakery! Waiting for them to cool to try. They look amazing. I added 1/2 tsp cinnamon to the cake batter. Great, easy recipe! Moist & flavor packed!

    Reply

    1. Hi, Trish!

      So happy you loved the recipe! MMM always delish when cinnamon is added!!

      Reply

  8. 5 stars
    These were so moist! My family devoured them.

    Reply

  9. 5 stars
    This was absolutely amazing!!!!

    Reply

  10. 5 stars
    Wow! Incredible flavors!

    Reply
  11. Amanda Owens says:

    5 stars
    Where have these been my entire life? I had family staying over the weekend and I made three batches of these! One with the gluten-free version. I even made my dad go out and look for brown bananas just to fit in the last batch.

    Reply

  12. 5 stars
    Hi Taralynn- Thank you for this delicious recipe. My kids absolutely love the taste of this. I did have a question – my daughter is allergic to eggs so we’ve tried to replace the eggs in this with flax seed eggs. I find that the middle portion of the pan ends up not being very fluffy compared to when this recipe is made with eggs. Do you have any suggestions about how you could modify this recipe to make it egg free?

    Reply

  13. 5 stars
    All I can say is Wow! This is so delicious and has the perfect amount of banana flavor. I only used two cups of powdered sugar instead of three and it still tastes amazing. This is definitely a keeper!

    Reply