These Banana Bread Bars are a delightful twist on classic banana bread, transformed into a convenient bar form and topped with an irresistible browned butter frosting. Perfect for a crowd or a family treat, these bars are moist, flavorful, and topped with a frosting that adds a nutty, caramelized depth. Whether you choose to add walnuts for extra crunch or keep them nut-free, these bars are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- For the Banana Bread Bars:
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 or 4 bananas)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- For the Browned Butter Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- About 3 tablespoons milk or half and half
Instructions
- Prepare the Bars:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease and flour a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. If you prefer thicker bars, use a 9×13-inch pan and extend the baking time by an additional 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until creamy and well-combined.
- Blend in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, mixing for about one minute.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt, and blend the mixture until just combined. Stir in the chopped walnuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool slightly in the pan until they are warm but not hot.
- Prepare the Browned Butter Frosting:
- In a saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat until it melts and begins to boil. Continue cooking until the butter turns a delicate brown, being careful not to burn it. This should take a few minutes and will impart a nutty aroma.
- Remove the butter from the heat immediately and add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until smooth and well combined. The frosting should be thicker than a glaze but thinner than traditional frosting. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
- Using a spatula, immediately spread the frosting over the warm banana bars. The warmth of the bars will help the frosting spread more easily and evenly.
- Serve:
- Allow the frosting to set before cutting the bars into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Tips
- Bananas: The riper the bananas, the more flavor they will add to your bars. Use bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best results.
- Nuts: If you’re a fan of nuts, walnuts add a lovely crunch and complement the banana flavor well. Feel free to substitute with pecans if you prefer.
- Frosting: The key to perfect browned butter is to watch it closely and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches a golden brown. This will prevent it from burning and ensure a rich, nutty flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
These Banana Bread Bars with Browned Butter Frosting are a decadent treat that brings together the best of banana bread and dessert bars. The browned butter frosting adds a gourmet touch that makes these bars truly special. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or as a sweet ending to any meal!
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