If your family is anything like mine, a bunch of ripe bananas sitting on the counter feels like an open invitation to bake something cozy and sweet. Sure, banana bread is the classic go-to — but let me introduce you to a family favorite that’s just as comforting and way easier to make: Banana Bars.
This recipe came from my Aunt Cindy, and it’s honestly become one of those “don’t even bother writing it down because I’ve memorized it” kind of bakes in our house. These soft, cake-like bars are perfectly sweet, quick to throw together, and disappear just as fast as you cut them.
Basic Banana Bar
Ingredients
Banana Bars
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 2 cup flour
- 1 T baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 2 bananas
Frosting
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tsp. vanilla or mapeline (I like one of each)
- 4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Mix ingredients with a hand mixer or in a Bosch or Kitchen Aid.
- Spread in a greased sheet pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 22 minutes.
- Cool, easiest to stick in the freezer for 10 minutes.
- Frost.
- Enjoy!
Why We Love These Banana Bars
✅ Kid-approved
✅ Freezer-friendly
✅ Feeds a crowd
✅ Uses pantry staples
✅ Easy to frost, or enjoy plain
These moist banana bars are perfect for:
- School lunches (they pack so well!)
- Potlucks or neighborhood get-togethers
- Weeknight dessert after a busy day
- That “what do I do with all these bananas?” moment
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
Most of the time we already have everything on hand to make these banana bars, which makes them even more of a win. And yes — frozen bananas work great too!
What you’ll need:
- Ripe bananas (the spottier, the better)
- Basic baking ingredients: flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking soda
- Vanilla extract
- Optional: cream cheese frosting (you’ll never regret it)
Bake Once, Snack All Week
This recipe fills a full sheet pan, which means you’ll have enough for everyone — even if your kids insist on going back for seconds. (Spoiler: they will.)
A few banana bar pro tips:
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
- Want to speed things up? Pop the pan in the freezer for 20 minutes before frosting.
- These freeze beautifully! Layer with wax paper in a container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Make-Ahead Magic: Why These Bars Are a Family Staple
These banana bars aren’t just a quick fix — they’ve become part of our family rhythm. When schedules are packed and you need a reliable dessert or snack that feels homemade (without spending your entire afternoon in the kitchen), this is the recipe that saves the day.
Bonus: This is a great recipe for kids to help with. Mashing bananas and stirring ingredients are perfect ways to get little hands involved in the kitchen.
Time to Bake!
Have a few bananas turning spotty right now? Take that as a sign. Whether you enjoy these bars plain or top them with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting (highly recommend), you’re going to love how easy and delicious they are.
Drop a comment if you try them, and let me know — frosting or no frosting?