Description
Deliciously moist Banana Bars topped with a rich Browned Butter Frosting. This easy-to-make treat combines ripe bananas with a tender crumb and a luscious, buttery frosting that is thicker than glaze but smoother than traditional frosting. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Banana Bars
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups mashed bananas (about 3 or 4 ripe bananas)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Browned Butter Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- About 3 tablespoons milk or half and half
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan or line it with parchment paper. For thicker bars, use a 9×13-inch pan and increase baking time by 10 minutes.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs using an electric mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment until creamy.
- Add Bananas and Vanilla: Blend in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, mixing for about one minute to combine well.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Blend together for one minute until just combined.
- Add Nuts and Bake: Stir in the chopped walnuts if using. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Slightly: Let the bars cool until warm but not hot, preparing to frost them.
- Make Browned Butter Frosting: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, cooking past the melting point until it boils and turns a delicate brown color, causing a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately.
- Combine Frosting Ingredients: Quickly add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and about 3 tablespoons of milk or half and half to the browned butter. Mix thoroughly until the frosting is smooth and reaches a consistency thicker than glaze but thinner than traditional frosting. Adjust milk quantity as needed.
- Frost the Bars: Using a spatula, spread the frosting evenly over the warm banana bars for best results—the warmth will help the frosting spread easily and set nicely.
Notes
- For thicker bars, use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Chopped walnuts are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
- Be careful not to burn the butter when browning it; watch closely and remove from heat as soon as it turns golden brown.
- The frosting works best if spread while the bars are still warm to ensure smooth application.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
