Easy Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe

Introduction

These easy banana bars with brown butter frosting are a delightful treat that combines moist, flavorful banana cake with a rich, nutty icing. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, they bring the classic comfort of banana bread in a portable bar form with an irresistible twist.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 cup (about 2) very ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• ½ tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. salt
• For the brown butter frosting:
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1½ tbsp. milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, overlapping two pieces so the sides hang over the edges for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and egg until creamy and well combined. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the banana mixture. Stir just until combined; do not overmix. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Step 4: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool slightly in the pan.
5. Step 5: To make the frosting, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a toasty brown color and brown bits form at the bottom. Remove from heat and pour into a heat-proof bowl.
6. Step 6: Whisk the browned butter, then add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
7. Step 7: When the banana bars have cooled for about 10 to 15 minutes but are still slightly warm, spread the brown butter frosting evenly over the top. This allows for a soft, slightly melty texture.
8. Step 8: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a tangier flavor and similar texture, substitute Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream.
• Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and moisture.
• To add extra texture, consider folding in chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
• If you prefer a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar, or for a thinner glaze, increase milk slightly.

Storage

Store the banana bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, warm the bars gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the frosting and bring back its melty texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars without the brown butter frosting?

Yes, the banana bars are delicious on their own. You can also dust them with powdered sugar or serve with a simple glaze if preferred.

Can I use regular butter instead of browning it for the frosting?

While you can use melted butter without browning, the brown butter adds a unique nutty, toasty flavor that enhances the frosting and complements the banana bars beautifully.

Easy Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 109 reviews

These Easy Banana Bars with Brown Butter are a moist and flavorful treat featuring ripe bananas incorporated into a tender batter, baked to golden perfection and topped with a rich, nutty brown butter frosting. Perfect as a simple dessert or snack, this recipe elevates classic banana bars with the delicious depth of brown butter.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars (approximately 3×3 servings) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Batter Ingredients

• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 cup (about 2) very ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

Brown Butter Frosting

• ½ cup (1 stick) butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ tbsp milk

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, overlapping pieces so the edges hang over the sides, which helps in easily removing the bars later.
2. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, beat sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and egg together until creamy and well combined. Stir in the mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract until blended.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the banana mixture. Gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
4. Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
5. Cool Bars: Let the bars cool slightly in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then use the parchment paper edges to lift them out onto a wire rack or flat surface.
6. Prepare Brown Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until it browns and toasty brown bits form, giving it a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and pour into a heat-proof bowl.
7. Make Frosting: Whisk the browned butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk gradually until you reach a spreadable consistency.
8. Frost the Bars: Spread the brown butter frosting evenly over the bars while they are still slightly warm; this soft, slightly melty texture enhances the flavor and texture.

Notes

• Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a slight tang and moisture.
• Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moist texture.
• Allow the brown butter to cool slightly before mixing to avoid melting the powdered sugar prematurely.
• Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Keywords: banana bars, brown butter frosting, easy dessert, banana dessert, homemade bars, quick banana recipe, baked banana bars