Shelly's Recipe

BANANA BARS WITH CREAM CHEESE & PEANUT BUTTER FROSTING

Category: Bars

1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 c. sugar
1/3 c. packed light or dark brown sugar
2 large eggs at room temperature
1 c. (8 oz.) sour cream
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. ripe mashed bananas (2-3)
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
8 Tbsp. (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
4 c. (1 lb. box) confectioners powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 10×15 or 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugars together for 2-3 minutes or until smooth & fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time beating well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until well blended.

In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda & salt. Stir into batter. Fold in the mashed bananas JUST until incorporated. Do not over mix. Spread batter evenly into prepared baking. Bake for 20-23 minutes for the 10×15-inch size, or 25-30 minutes for the 9×13 or the two 8-inch size baking dishes. Bars will test done when a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Place on a wire rack and cool completely.

To make frosting, simply beat items 11-14 together until smooth & creamy. Spread frosting over cooled bars. Allow to set for 2 hours before cutting into bars. Cover and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.