Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter or 1 cup margarine, cubed
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup mashed ripe banana
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or 1/2 cup walnuts
  • Frosting
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

Method

  • In a saucepan, bring butter and water to a boil.
  • Remove from heat; set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugars, baking soda, eggs, bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla.
  • Beat until blended.
  • Carefully add butter mixture; mix well.
  • Stir in nuts.
  • Pour into greased 15x10x1 inch baking pan.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  • Cool on a wire rack.
  • For frosting, in a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in vanilla.
  • Gradually add confectioners' sugar.
  • Spread over bars.
  • Store in fridge.