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Home / Latest Posts / Recipes / Course / Dessert / Bars and Brownies / Small Batch Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Small Batch Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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By: Leigh Anne WilkesPosted: 11/29/21Updated: 7/21/22

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure policy here.

plate with a small batch banana bar

When you only have one ripe banana, these moist and tender small batch banana bars are the perfect solution. They come together in minutes and feed 2-4 people!

piece of banana bar on a palte.

Banana Bars for Two

Is your go to solution for ripe bananas a batch of banana bread? It’s a good one but if you are looking for something else, this recipe for small batch banana bars with cream cheese frosting is the answer!!

Ingredients Needed:

  • Banana. You only need one and if you need tips for ripening a banana see below.
  • Sugar. Use granulated sugar.
  • Butter. Be sure the butter is softened. I use salted butter.
  • Eggs. Beat the egg and then measure out 2 Tbsp. Don’t use the whole egg.
  • Sour Cream. You can substitute plain Greek Yogurt.
  • Vanilla. A little almond extract would be great too or for more banana flavor, use banana extract.
  • Flour. All purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt. If using unsalted butter, add in a pinch more salt.
  • Cream cheese. Allow to soften at room temperature before using
  • Powdered sugar.
  • Vanilla
  • Butter. Be sure it is softened.
sliced small batch banana bars

How to Make Small Batch Banana Bars

  • Mix together sugar, butter and egg.
  • Add in sour cream and vanilla.
  • Add in dry ingredients, flour, baking soda and salt.
  • Stir in ripened, smashed banana
  • Pour into a greased 9 x 7 pan.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes.
  • Allow to cool completely before frosting.
banana bars on cooling rack

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • Vanilla
  • Butter. Be sure it is softened
  • Cream cheese. Allow to soften at room temperature before using

How to Make Small Batch Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Mix together softened cream cheese and butter until combined.
  • Add in powdered sugar and stir until smooth.
  • Pour in extract.
  • Spread over cooled banana bars.
slice of banana bars on a spatula

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you ripen bananas quickly?

Place the banana in a paper bag, fold over the top and check the next day . The bag traps ethylene, which is what is responsible for ripening bananas. You can also add an apple to the bag which releases ethylene.

To ripen a banana in a matter of minutes place an unpeeled banana on a baking sheet in a 250 degree F oven for 15-20 minutes. I prefer to let bananas ripen naturally but this will do in a pinch!

What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?

If you are not a fan of cream cheese frosting, use a buttercream frosting. For a little extra flavor, add in some brown butter for an amazing brown butter frosting.

How to tell if a banana is ripe?

– Brown spots.
– Soft to squeeze.
-There w ill be no green on the stem.
– Snaps off from stem easily.
– Easy to peel with no resistance or noise.

Do I need to refrigerate banana bars?

If you are using a cream cheese frosting you need to keep them refrigerated. If using a buttercream frosting you do not. These are delicious served chilled or room temperature.

  • Banana bars can also be frozen for 2-3 months. Wrap in plastic wrap and then place in an airtight container such as a zippered plastic bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
  • What can I use instead of a 9 x 7 sheet pan?

    You could also use an 8 x 8 inch baking dish. Your bake time may vary slightly so watch for it to turn golden brown around edges and a toothpick will come
    out clean.

    pan of banana bars with piece missing

    Tips from Leigh Anne

    1. To make sure you always have a ripe banana on hand, freeze ripe bananas. You can freeze, them whole, with the skin on in a zippered plastic freezer bag. When you are ready to use, allow the banana to thaw and then peel. It won’t look pretty but it will work great in your banana bars.
    2. To tell if your cake is done, insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the cake and it should come out clean. You can also use your finger to gently press down on the top of the cake.  It should bounce back.
    3. For added flavor, add in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips into the cake batter or sprinkle the top of the cream cheese frosting with 1/3 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts.

    Try these other delicious recipes using bananas:

    • Banana Bars
    • Small Batch Banana Bread
    • Delicious Banana Ice Cream
    • Easy Banana Cupcakes
    • Banana Cinnamon Chip Muffins
    5 from 2 votes
    piece of banana bar on a palte.

    Small Batch Banana Bars

    Recipe From: Leigh Anne Wilkes
    When you only have one ripe banana, these moist and tender small batch banana bars are the perfect solution. They come together in minutes and feed 2-4 people!
    serves: 4 servings
    Prep:15 minutes
    Cook:20 minutes
    0 minutes
    Total:35 minutes
    Rate Recipe

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 Tbsp butter softened
    • 2 Tbsp beaten egg
    • 1/3 cup sour cream or Greek Yogurt
    • 1/2 tsp vanilla
    • 2/3 cup all purpose flour
    • 1/4 tsp baking soda
    • pinch of salt
    • 1 banana ripened

    Cream Cheese Frosting

    • 2 oz. cream cheese softened
    • 2 Tbsp butter softened
    • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 cup powdered sugar

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
    • Cream together sugar, butter and eggs.
    • Add in sour cream and vanilla.
    • Add in dry ingredients including flour, baking soda and salt.
    • Stir in smashed, ripe banana.
    • Mix until all is combined and pour into greased 9 x. 7 inch baking pan.
    • Bake for 20-22 minutes or until lightly golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.
    • Allow cake to completely cool.

    Cream Cheese Frosting

    • Mix together cream cheese and butter until combined.
    • Add in powdered sugar and vanilla.
    • Spread over cooled cake.

    Tips & Notes:

    If you don’t have a 9 x 7 inch pan, you could also use an 8 x 8 inch baking dish. Your bake time may vary slightly so watch for it to turn golden brown around edges and a toothpick will come out clean.
    To tell if a cake is done, you can also use your finger to gently press down on the top of the cake.  It should bounce back.
    For added flavor, add 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips into the cake batter or sprinkle the top of the cream cheese frosting with 1/3 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts.

    Recommended Products

    Baking Sheet (9 x 7)
    Measuring Cups
    Measuring Spoons

    Nutrition Facts:

    Calories: 515kcal (26%) Carbohydrates: 79g (26%) Protein: 5g (10%) Fat: 21g (32%) Saturated Fat: 12g (75%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 5g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 83mg (28%) Sodium: 241mg (10%) Potassium: 191mg (5%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 59g (66%) Vitamin A: 718IU (14%) Vitamin C: 3mg (4%) Calcium: 48mg (5%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
    * Disclaimer: All nutrition information are estimates only. Read full disclosure here.
    Course:Dessert
    Cuisine:American
    piece of banana bar on a palte.
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