Banana bread bars with rich brown butter frosting are an indulgent treat that combines the moist, tender texture of banana bread with the luxurious flavor of brown butter frosting. These bars are perfect for dessert, snacks, or even breakfast. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas pairs wonderfully with the nutty, caramel-like notes of brown butter, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re looking to use up overripe bananas or impress guests with a decadent homemade treat, these banana bread bars are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients for Banana Bread Bars with Rich Brown Butter Frosting
To make these delicious banana bread bars, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Banana Bread Bars:
- 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 2-3 bananas): Overripe bananas with brown spots work best.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the bars.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides moisture and richness.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the batter.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
For the Brown Butter Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: The star ingredient for the frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet frosting.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Helps achieve the right consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor depth.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness.
How to Make Banana Bread Bars with Rich Brown Butter Frosting
- Prepare the Banana Bread Bars: a. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. b. Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. The bananas should be very ripe with brown spots, as they provide the best flavor and sweetness. c. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar, melted butter, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined and smooth. d. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough. e. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the edges slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan. f. Cool: Allow the banana bread bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will make it easier to spread the frosting later.
- Prepare the Brown Butter Frosting: a. Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter foams and then turns a golden brown color with a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the pan from heat and let the butter cool slightly. b. Combine Frosting Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer on low speed to combine, then increase to medium speed and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Frost the Bars: a. Spread the Frosting: Once the banana bread bars are completely cooled, spread the brown butter frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or butter knife. b. Cut and Serve: Cut the bars into squares or rectangles of your desired size. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
About the Main Ingredients
Ripe Bananas: The key to the best banana bread bars is using ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. These bananas are sweeter and more flavorful, contributing to the moist texture and rich taste of the bars. Bananas are also a good source of potassium and natural sugars.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and moisture to the bars, while in the frosting, browned butter brings a deep, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dessert. Unsalted butter is preferred as it allows you to control the salt content more precisely.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang to the banana bread bars, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor. It also contributes to a tender crumb.
Eggs: Eggs provide structure and stability to the bars, helping them rise and hold together. They also add richness and moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavors in both the bars and the frosting, adding a warm, sweet undertone that complements the bananas and brown butter.
All-Purpose Flour: This versatile flour provides the necessary structure for the banana bread bars. It’s important to measure the flour correctly to avoid a dense texture.
Baking Soda: Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the bars rise, making them light and fluffy. It reacts with the acidity in the sour cream and bananas to create carbon dioxide bubbles, which give the bars their lift.
Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, powdered sugar dissolves easily and is perfect for creating smooth, creamy frostings. It provides the sweetness needed to balance the nutty, rich flavor of the brown butter.
Milk: Milk is used in the frosting to achieve the right consistency. It helps to thin the frosting to a spreadable texture while adding a bit of creaminess.
Brown Butter: The process of browning butter involves cooking it until the milk solids turn golden brown, giving it a rich, nutty flavor that enhances any recipe. Brown butter adds a gourmet touch to the frosting, making it more complex and flavorful.
Banana bread bars with rich brown butter frosting are a delightful treat that combines classic banana bread flavors with a luxurious, nutty frosting. The moist and tender bars, topped with the sweet and creamy frosting, create a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy these bars with a cup of coffee or tea, or serve them as a sweet ending to a meal. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.
