FROSTED BANANA BARS

1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (approximately 3 med to large)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour*
1 tsp baking soda
dash of salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, bananas, and vanilla.

Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the butter mixture just until blended.

Pour into the prepared baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool in pan on a wire rack.

FROSTING:
1 brick (8-oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla until mixture is smooth. Spread over the cooled bars.

Cut into 36 bars for serving.

From a 1994 TOH magazine.