Description
Soft, moist banana bread bars topped with a rich brown butter frosting that tastes like pure luxury. Each bite combines the cozy sweetness of ripe bananas with the nutty depth of browned butter, creating a dessert that’s both homey and elegant. Perfect for brunch, celebrations, or an indulgent afternoon treat.
Ingredients
1½ cups white sugar
1 cup sour cream
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1¾ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Brown Butter Frosting:
½ cup unsalted butter
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan.
Make the batter: In a large bowl, beat together sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until creamy. Mix in mashed bananas and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the wet mixture and stir just until combined. Fold in walnuts if using.
Bake the bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 27 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely.
Prepare the frosting: Melt ½ cup butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until golden brown and nutty, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Finish the frosting: Whisk in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
Frost and serve: Spread the warm frosting over cooled bars. Once set, cut into squares and enjoy.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for best flavor and sweetness.
Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
For added texture, sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or a pinch of sea salt over the frosting.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 1/12 of the recipe)
- Calories: 583
- Sugar: 67g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 90g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Banana Bread Bars with Brown Butter Frosting, banana bars, brown butter desserts, easy banana recipes