Banana Bread Bars with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Bananas and Lemon Juice: In a bowl, combine the mashed bananas with lemon juice and set aside to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cool the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
