Banana Bars

I haven't met anyone who doesn't love these.  Serious.  They get gobbled up wherever I take them.  What's comical is how people react when I tell them they're banana bars- they get this skeptical look on their faces.  To be polite, they try one and pretty soon they're licking their fingers clean- they take another one......and pretty soon they want the recipe!  You might have a hard time getting your kids to eat only one or two bars- good luck!

RECIPE

1 stick butter, softened

2 C. sugar

3 eggs

1 1/2 C. mashed bananas (I use 5-6 "rotten" bananas)

1 tsp vanilla

2 C. flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 C. chopped pecans (optional)

* In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together.  Add the bananas and let it mix until they are well mashed.  Add the eggs and vanilla.  In another bowl, whisk flour, soda and salt (and nuts) together then add to the banana mixture.  Pour batter into a greased and floured cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 17-20 minutes (or until a toothpick comes out clean).  Let the bars cool completely before frosting. 

Frosting

1 stick butter, softened

6 oz cream cheese, softened

4 C. powdered sugar

2 tsp vanilla

*Cream the butter and cream cheese together- add vanilla, then add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time.  Beat until everything is well combined and creamy.  Spread over the banana bars, cut and serve. (If you don't like nuts in the bars, sprinkle them on top).  Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon!

Tips:

• Your bars will have a better flavor the more 'rotten' your bananas are.  
  
• After the bars have cooled for about an hour, I cover them with Saran wrap and let them sit overnight.  I think they always taste better the next day.
• Eggs always mix better when they have sat on the counter for 30 minutes.  If you don't have time, let them sit in warm water for a few minutes, or whisk them a little before adding to the batter.