For the Banana Bars:

• 1½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3½ cups powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1-2 tbsp milk (as needed)

 Directions——————

1. Prepare the Banana Bars:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan.

• In a large bowl, cream butter and both sugars until fluffy (2-3 minutes).

• Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and mashed bananas.

• In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

• Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

• Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

2. Make the Frosting:

• Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth (2 minutes).

• Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla.

• Adjust consistency with milk as needed (should be spreadable but thick).

3. Frost & Serve:

• Spread frosting over cooled bars.

• Cut into squares and serve. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.