Amish Banana Cream Cheese Cake Bars

These Banana Cream Cheese Cake Bars are soft, moist, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Made with ripe bananas and simple ingredients, they’re the perfect treat for any time of year.

Banana lovers, this one’s for you! These Banana Cream Cheese Cake Bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the moist texture of banana bread with the sweetness of cake—and they’re finished with a luscious layer of cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, brunch, or just to use up ripe bananas, these bars deliver comfort in every bite.

Pictured above is a Banana Cream Cheese Cake Bar. Photo & recipe courtesy of Amish-heritage.org.

Why you'll love Amish Banana Cream Cheese Cake Bars:

• They have a tender, cake-like crumb and a soft banana flavor.

• Cream cheese frosting adds a rich and tangy finish that pairs perfectly with the sweet bars.

• The recipe uses basic pantry staples and overripe bananas.

• They’re easy to make in one bowl with minimal cleanup.

• Optional walnuts give them a little crunch and added texture.

Ingredients needed to make these Banana Cream Cheese Cake Bars:

For the Bars:

• ½ cup butter, softened (1 stick)

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ⅓ teaspoon salt

• 2 medium/large ripe or overripe bananas, mashed (about 1 scant cup)

• ½ cup chopped walnuts, optional

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup salted butter, softened

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3 cups powdered sugar

How to make Amish Banana Cream Cheese Cake Bars:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 10x15" baking pan.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whip the butter and sugar together until light, creamy, and fluffy.
Step 3: Add in the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
Step 5: Stir in the mashed bananas and optional chopped walnuts.
Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Step 7: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is dry and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking.
Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Step 9: Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese frosting: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with a whisk or electric mixer until smooth. Add the vanilla and powdered sugar and beat again until smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into squares or rectangles to serve.

Popular Substitutions and Additions:

• Swap sour cream for full-fat plain Greek yogurt if needed.

• Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a spiced twist.

• Replace walnuts with pecans or chocolate chips for a different flavor and texture.

• Omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.

Storage & Leftovers:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• For longer storage, freeze the bars (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

• Let chilled bars sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before enjoying for the best texture.

Amish Banana Cream Cheese Cake Bars FAQ's:

Can I make these bars without the frosting?
Yes! They’re still delicious on their own or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them fully and drain off excess liquid before mashing.

What size pan should I use?
A 10x15” jelly roll pan works best, but you can also use a 9x13” pan for thicker bars—just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Do I have to refrigerate the bars?
Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is recommended. Bring to room temperature before serving if desired.