Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250 g) All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon (3 g) Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 g) Ground Nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) Salt
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup (110 g) Light Brown Sugar, packed
  • 2 Large Eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Vanilla Extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (~360 g) Very Ripe Bananas, mashed
  • 8 ounces (226 g) Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (56 g) Unsalted Butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups (360 g) Powdered Sugar (Sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Vanilla Extract (for frosting)
  • 1/8 teaspoon (0.5 g) Pinch of Salt (for frosting)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the two longer sides for easy removal.
  2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract and the mashed bananas, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
  5. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined. Stop immediately once no streaks of flour remain to prevent tough bars.
  6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
  7. Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely (about 30 minutes) before frosting.
  8. While the bars cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and spreadable.
  9. Lift the cooled bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface. Chill briefly to set the frosting before slicing into 16 squares.