Brown Butter Frosted Banana Bread Bars
If you love banana bread and are looking for a fun twist, try Brown Butter Frosted Banana Bread Bars. These delicious bars are packed with banana flavor and topped with a rich, nutty frosting. They are perfect for dessert, breakfast, or a tasty snack during the day.
Why Make This Recipe
Brown Butter Frosted Banana Bread Bars are a great way to use ripe bananas. The brown butter adds a unique flavor that complements the sweetness of the bananas. These bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Plus, who can resist a sweet treat with frosting?
How to Make Brown Butter Frosted Banana Bread Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
- Chopped nuts (optional for garnish)
- Sliced banana (optional for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Mix in mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely.
- For frosting, melt butter in a saucepan until golden brown, then cool slightly.
- Beat the brown butter with powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Frost cooled banana bread bars and garnish with chopped nuts or banana slices if desired.
- Cut into squares and serve.
How to Serve Brown Butter Frosted Banana Bread Bars
You can serve these bars at room temperature or chilled. They go well with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk. For an added treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
How to Store Brown Butter Frosted Banana Bread Bars
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also keep them in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Brown Butter Frosted Banana Bread Bars
- Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Don’t skip the browning of the butter; it adds a deep, flavorful twist to the frosting.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Variation
You can add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor. For a fun twist, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Q: Is there a substitute for sour cream?
A: Yes, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a similar result.
Q: Can I make this recipe without frosting?
A: Absolutely! The banana bread bars are delicious on their own, even without frosting.
