The Banana Crumb Cake Bars recipe features soft, buttery bars infused with rich banana flavor and topped with a crunchy cinnamon crumb. Easy to prepare, they suit various occasions, from breakfast to dessert. Nutritionally versatile, substitutions are offered for ingredients, ensuring a delightful and comforting treat for everyone. Enjoy warm or chilled.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper. Set it aside.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and well blended. You can use a hand mixer, stand mixer, or mix by hand.
Add the mashed bananas, eggs, vanilla extract, and heavy cream to the bowl. Stir until everything is fully incorporated.
Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the texture light. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
In a separate small bowl, prepare the crumb topping by combining all the crumb mixture ingredients. Use a fork to blend them together until small crumbs form. Be careful not to overmix, as this can create a paste rather than a crumbly texture.
Evenly distribute the crumb topping over the batter, ensuring a thick, consistent layer.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Allow the banana bread to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or let it cool completely before covering for storage.