Description
Banana bars with brown butter frosting are moist, cake-like dessert bars made with ripe bananas and topped with rich, nutty brown butter frosting. A delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Brown Butter Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- Mix in mashed bananas and sour cream until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let bars cool completely in the pan.
- For the frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Transfer brown butter to a mixing bowl and gradually beat in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
- Spread frosting over cooled banana bars. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Make sure bananas are very ripe for best flavor and moisture.
- Let brown butter cool slightly before mixing in sugar to prevent separation.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.