Craving a sweet treat that’s both comforting and a little bit different? Look no further than these Banana Snickerdoodle Bars! They’re the perfect blend of soft, banana-infused goodness and the warm, cinnamon-sugar coating of a classic snickerdoodle. This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels. Get ready to experience a delightful explosion of flavor in every bite!
**Why You’ll Love These Banana Snickerdoodle Bars**
* **Unique Flavor Combination:** The subtle sweetness of ripe bananas combined with the tangy cream cheese and the spicy warmth of cinnamon creates a truly unforgettable flavor profile.
* **Soft and Chewy Texture:** These bars are incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the mashed bananas and cream cheese in the batter.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is a breeze to whip up, even on a busy weeknight.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** These bars are great for potlucks, bake sales, or simply enjoying with friends and family.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The sweet and familiar flavors make these bars a hit with kids of all ages.
* **Uses Ripe Bananas:** A great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter!
**Ingredients You’ll Need**
**For the Bars:**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 medium bananas)
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
**For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:**
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
**Equipment You’ll Need**
* 8×8 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula
* Parchment paper (optional, for lining the pan)
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of irresistible Banana Snickerdoodle Bars.
**Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the center position.
* Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. For easier removal, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
**Step 2: Cream Together Butter, Sugars, and Cream Cheese**
* In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
* Add the softened cream cheese and continue to beat until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be light and airy.
**Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Mashed Banana**
* Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
* Add the mashed ripe banana and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
**Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients**
* In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
**Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients**
* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars. A few streaks of flour are okay.
**Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating**
* In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
**Step 7: Assemble and Bake the Bars**
* Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
* Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
* Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. The top should be lightly golden brown.
**Step 8: Cool and Cut**
* Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This will prevent them from crumbling. If you used parchment paper, you can lift the bars out of the pan using the overhang to cool on a wire rack.
* Once cooled, cut the bars into squares and serve.
**Tips for Perfect Banana Snickerdoodle Bars**
* **Use Ripe Bananas:** The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Bananas with brown spots are ideal.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can result in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
* **Soften Butter and Cream Cheese:** Softened butter and cream cheese will cream together more easily, resulting in a smoother batter.
* **Measure Flour Accurately:** Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping the flour directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and result in too much flour in the batter.
* **Check for Doneness:** Use a toothpick to check for doneness. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the bars.
* **Cool Completely Before Cutting:** Cooling the bars completely before cutting them will prevent them from crumbling.
* **Add-Ins (Optional):** Feel free to add other ingredients to the batter, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit.
**Variations and Adaptations**
* **Chocolate Chip Banana Snickerdoodle Bars:** Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
* **Nutty Banana Snickerdoodle Bars:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
* **Spiced Banana Snickerdoodle Bars:** Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg or cloves to the batter for a warmer, spicier flavor.
* **Vegan Banana Snickerdoodle Bars:** Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese, and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
* **Gluten-Free Banana Snickerdoodle Bars:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum.
* **Brown Butter Banana Snickerdoodle Bars:** Brown the butter before creaming it with the sugars for a nuttier, richer flavor. To brown butter, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter is golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.
**Serving Suggestions**
* Serve these Banana Snickerdoodle Bars warm or at room temperature.
* Enjoy them with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
* Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet treat.
* Bring them to potlucks or bake sales.
* Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
**How to Store Banana Snickerdoodle Bars**
To keep your Banana Snickerdoodle Bars fresh and delicious, store them properly:
* **Room Temperature:** Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezer:** For long-term storage, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before serving.
**Troubleshooting**
* **Bars are too dry:** Make sure you’re using ripe bananas and that you’re not overbaking the bars. You can also add a tablespoon or two of milk to the batter.
* **Bars are too crumbly:** This can be caused by overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Be sure to measure the flour accurately and mix until just combined.
* **Bars are too dense:** This can be caused by not using enough leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) or by overmixing the batter.
* **Bars are not rising:** Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. You can test them by adding a teaspoon of baking powder to a cup of hot water. If it bubbles, it’s still good. For baking soda, add a teaspoon of baking soda to a tablespoon of vinegar. If it bubbles, it’s still good.
* **Cinnamon-sugar topping is burning:** Reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees and bake for a few minutes longer.
**Nutritional Information (Approximate)**
(Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
* Calories: 200-250 per bar
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 6-9g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Sugar: 15-20g
* Protein: 2-3g
**Enjoy Your Delicious Banana Snickerdoodle Bars!**
These Banana Snickerdoodle Bars are a delightful treat that’s sure to please everyone. With their unique flavor combination, soft texture, and easy-to-follow recipe, they’re perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of these amazing bars! Happy baking!