Banana Bread Bars with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe

Introduction

Banana bread bars are a delicious twist on the classic banana bread, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a portable snack. These moist, flavorful bars are topped with a rich brown butter frosting that adds a nutty, creamy finish. Whether for breakfast or dessert, they’re sure to please banana lovers.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups ripe bananas, mashed (about 3 large bananas)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup sour cream

Brown Butter Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the mashed bananas with lemon juice; set aside.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Step 4: Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
5. Step 5: Alternately blend in the banana mixture and the flour mixture with the sour cream, mixing just until combined.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely.
8. Step 8: For the frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until it turns a light brown color and smells nutty, about 3-5 minutes, then remove from heat.
9. Step 9: Beat in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
10. Step 10: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor and moist texture.
• To add texture, mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt and use a plant-based butter for the frosting.

Storage

Store the banana bread bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow the bars to come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best texture. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour substitutes?

Yes, you can try using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture and moisture may vary slightly. Adjust liquids if needed.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bars are done. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.

Banana Bread Bars with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 98 reviews

These moist and flavorful Banana Bread Bars are an easy-to-make treat combining ripe bananas and a rich brown butter frosting. Baked in a jelly roll pan for quick preparation and topped with a creamy, nutty frosting, they make a perfect snack or dessert.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Banana Bread Bars

• 1 ½ cups ripe bananas, mashed (about 3 large bananas)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup sour cream

Brown Butter Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Bananas and Lemon Juice: In a bowl, combine the mashed bananas with lemon juice and set aside to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender crumb.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing well after each to maintain a smooth batter.
6. Incorporate Banana and Flour Mixtures: Alternately add the banana mixture and the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, blending in the sour cream with these additions until just combined to avoid overmixing.
7. Pour and Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
9. Make Brown Butter Frosting: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until it turns light brown and emits a nutty fragrance, about 3-5 minutes, then remove from heat.
10. Beat Frosting Ingredients: Transfer the browned butter to a bowl and beat in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
11. Frost and Serve: Spread the brown butter frosting evenly over the cooled banana bars, then cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the bars tender.
• If desired, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture.
• The frosting should be spread only when the bars are completely cooled to avoid melting.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: banana bread bars, banana dessert bars, brown butter frosting, easy banana baking, quick banana bars