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–+ servings
A square slice of moist banana bread brownie topped with creamy white cream cheese frosting, served on a white plate with a soft yellow background.

Moist Banana Brownie Bars

Indulge in soft, flavorful banana brownies crowned with luscious cream cheese frosting—a perfect comfort treat for any day.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baking
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup vegetable oil use neutral oil like canola or melted coconut for moistness
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar light or dark, dark for richer flavor
  • 1 large egg room temperature for best mixing
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure vanilla recommended
  • 2 ripe bananas mashed (about 1 cup; heavily spotted for sweetness)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled for accurate measurement
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda ensures proper rise
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder for slight lift
  • ½ teaspoon salt balances sweetness
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon adds warm flavor
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened (full-fat for smooth frosting)
  • ¼ cup salted butter softened (or unsalted with ¼ teaspoon salt)
  • 1 to 1½ cups powdered sugar adjust to taste and desired frosting thickness
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting flavor

Equipment

  • 1 8x8-inch square baking pan lined with parchment paper for easy lifting
  • 1 Parchment paper for lining baking pan
  • 1 Mixing bowl large bowl for wet ingredients
  • 1 Whisk for blending dry and wet ingredients
  • 1 Rubber spatula for folding batter and spreading frosting
  • 1 Hand mixer for smooth frosting
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons for precise ingredient measurement

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil and brown sugar until completely smooth.
  3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas to the sugar-oil mixture. Mix until fully combined.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 33–37 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
  8. For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until silky and uniform.
  9. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and smooth. Start with 1 cup sugar, then adjust for sweetness and consistency.
  10. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownie layer and slice into squares to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 90gCalories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 2gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 230mgPotassium: 130mgFiber: 1gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 280IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These banana brownie bars are soft, sweet, and perfectly cozy. Frost generously and savor each bite with a warm cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate homemade comfort.

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