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Maple Frosted Banana Bread Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 51 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 38 minutes
  • Total Time: 53 minutes
  • Yield: 15 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Maple Frosted Banana Bread Bars combine the moist, flavorful goodness of banana bread with a rich, creamy maple frosting. Perfect as a sweet breakfast treat or a delightful dessert, this recipe uses gluten-free flour to keep things light without sacrificing taste. The banana puree adds natural sweetness and moisture, while the cinnamon and vanilla bring warmth to every bite. Topped with a luscious cream cheese and maple frosting, these bars are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Banana Bread Bars

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted, then cooled slightly)
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups banana puree (about 3 ripe medium bananas, mashed)
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
  • 2 cups gluten free all purpose baking flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Maple Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 8 ounces plain cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the banana bread bars.
  2. Prepare the baking pan: Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and allow for easy removal.
  3. Mix wet ingredients and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted and slightly cooled butter with white and brown sugars until they’re well combined and smooth.
  4. Add remaining wet ingredients: Whisk in the eggs, banana puree, Greek yogurt, and vanilla bean paste until the mixture is uniform and creamy.
  5. Incorporate dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free baking flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, whisking until smooth and well blended.
  6. Transfer batter to pan: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 34 to 38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool the bars: Remove the pan from the oven and let the banana bread bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, gently flip the bars onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Prepare the frosting: While the bars are cooling, add the room temperature butter and cream cheese to a mixing bowl or stand mixer. Beat with an electric mixer for about 1 minute until smooth and fluffy.
  10. Add powdered sugar and flavorings: Beat in the powdered sugar, followed by the maple syrup and cinnamon. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream as needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  11. Frost and serve: Once the banana bars have cooled completely, evenly spread the maple frosting over the top. Optionally, garnish with crushed walnuts and banana slices. Slice into bars and enjoy!

Notes

  • To make 1 1/2 cups banana puree, mash about 3 medium ripe bananas.
  • You can substitute maple syrup with honey for a slightly different sweetness profile.
  • For added texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before frosting.
  • This recipe uses gluten-free flour, making it suitable for gluten-free diets.
  • Ensure ingredients like butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for best frosting consistency.

Find it online: https://dishmelt.com/maple-frosted-banana-bread-bars-recipe/