Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
If you’ve ever wondered what perfection tastes like in bar form, Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting prove it’s real! Imagine ultra-moist banana cake with that comforting aroma, all dressed up in a deeply nutty, silky brown butter icing. These bars strike the perfect balance between nostalgic banana bread and a luxurious dessert, making them absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re planning a casual family treat, a sweet after-dinner bite, or a special gathering, Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting promise to steal the show and get asked for on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of familiar pantry and fridge staples to create these dreamy Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting. Each ingredient works its magic, contributing moisture, flavor, or that irresistibly rich finish. Let’s break down what makes each one so essential:
- Unsalted butter (softened): This brings luscious richness to the bars and makes the brown butter frosting seriously addictive.
- Granulated sugar: The perfect sweetener to let the banana flavor shine without overpowering it.
- Sour cream: Adds irresistible tenderness and just a hint of tang to keep things interesting.
- Eggs: Give structure and a beautiful rise to the baked bars.
- Vanilla extract: Deeply enhances the warm, comforting aromas in both the bars and frosting.
- Ripe bananas (mashed): Use super spotty bananas for major flavor and natural sweetness—no green ones allowed!
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone, holding everything together with a soft crumb.
- Baking soda: Lifts the bars so they don’t feel dense.
- Salt: Don’t skip it! A little salt balances all the sweetness for crave-worthy results.
- Powdered sugar: Ensures the frosting is cloud-like and smooth with no grittiness.
- Milk: Loosens the frosting to that dreamy spreadable consistency.
How to Make Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—that way it’s ready to go once your batter is mixed. Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it well; this helps the bars release easily later and guarantees those neatly cut squares everyone loves.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until they’re pale and fluffy. This step gives your Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting a tender, light texture that makes them stand out among other banana treats.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract next. Then, gently stir in your mashed bananas. The batter will smell heavenly already! This blend ensures the bars are perfectly moist with lovely banana flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Doing this ensures even distribution so you don’t end up with any salty or cakey pockets. Gradually add the dry mix to your wet mixture, stirring until just combined for the softest crumb.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to level the surface. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely before moving on to the crowning glory: brown butter frosting.
Step 6: Make the Brown Butter Frosting
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring and watch closely—it will foam, then turn golden with a delicious nutty scent. As soon as it’s browned, take it off the heat and let it cool for five minutes. Combine the browned butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl. Beat until it’s fluffy, smooth, and ready to spread.
Step 7: Frost and Cut
Once the bars are fully cool, generously spread on your brown butter frosting. Slice into squares, and just try to resist sneaking a bite before sharing—the hardest part of making Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting!
How to Serve Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts adds a lovely crunch and sophistication to each bar, while extra banana slices or a dusting of cinnamon can make your Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting look bakery-worthy in no time.
Side Dishes
These bars are already a star, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside warm Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting sets off the flavors beautifully. Or offer a cup of fresh-brewed coffee or tea for a dreamy afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve each bar on a decorative dessert plate with a swirl of whipped cream, or cut the bars into triangles for party trays. Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting also stack nicely for edible gift boxes—just add parchment between layers to keep the frosting pristine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bars in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen runs warm or you want to keep them fresh longer, pop them in the fridge where they’ll keep for about a week (the flavor just gets better).
Freezing
Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting freeze like a dream! Arrange them in layers separated by parchment or wax paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw at room temp for a couple of hours, and you’re in business.
Reheating
While these bars are delicious straight from the fridge, you can gently warm individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds if you like the frosting soft and the bar extra tender. Just don’t overdo it, or the frosting can melt!
FAQs
Can I make Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The bars may have a slightly different texture, but they’ll still be just as moist and flavorful.
How can I tell when the banana bars are done baking?
Check for a golden color on top and insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re all set. Overbaking can dry them out, so start checking at the 25-minute mark.
What’s the trick to perfect brown butter?
Low and slow wins the day! Stir constantly and watch for the butter to turn a deep golden and smell nutty. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning, then cool slightly before beating into the frosting base.
Can I add mix-ins to the bars?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips make a delicious addition to the batter. Just fold up to 1/2 cup in right before pouring the batter into the pan.
Why use sour cream in the recipe?
Sour cream is the secret weapon here—it keeps the Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting extra tender and lends a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, making each bite even more satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a truly memorable dessert, make these Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting your next baking adventure. They bring together nostalgic flavor and a bit of gourmet flair, and you’ll love seeing friends and family light up with every bite. I hope you have as much fun sharing and enjoying them as I do—happy baking!
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Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter frosting. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack!
Ingredients
For the banana bars:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the brown butter frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix wet ingredients: Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla, then mix in mashed bananas.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Bake banana bars: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
- Make brown butter frosting: Melt butter in a saucepan until golden brown. Let cool, then mix with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Frost bars: Spread frosting on cooled bars and cut into squares.
Notes
- For added texture, include 1/2 cup chopped walnuts in the batter.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
