If there’s one dessert that unites melt-in-your-mouth comfort with bakery-level flair, it’s Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting. These bars feature soft, golden banana cake and an irresistibly rich, almost caramel-like frosting that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The best part? You probably have every ingredient right in your kitchen, making this treat a breeze for both weeknight cravings and special get-togethers. Trust me, one bite and you’ll see why this recipe is a crowd favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting lies in just a handful of simple ingredients, each adding something unique. From the creamy tang of sour cream to the warm nuttiness of brown butter, every part of this recipe plays a delicious role. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and softness to both the bars and the silken frosting; make sure it’s softened for the cake and fresh for browning.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the banana bars and creates that perfect, tender crumb.
- Sour Cream: Gives extra moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of ripe bananas.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness, holding everything together in perfect harmony.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses both the bars and frosting with a deep, fragrant warmth.
- Bananas: Go for ripe ones! Mashed bananas not only flavor the bars but keep them incredibly moist.
- All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy but tender base for your bars—just be sure to measure accurately.
- Baking Soda: Gives the bars their lift, making them wonderfully soft and fluffy.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors, especially with all that sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar: Whips into the brown butter to make the frosting smooth and dreamy.
- Milk: Loosens up the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
- Optional Chopped Walnuts: If you love a bit of crunch, stir these into the batter for another layer of texture.
How to Make Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures your banana bars come out easily and with clean edges. A little nonstick spray or a thin layer of butter works perfectly, and this tiny step makes serving (and cleaning up!) so much simpler.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This incorporates air, which helps create that irresistible, lofty texture in your Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting. Don’t rush this step—it’s worth every extra second!
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Bananas
Mix in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract, blending until smooth. Next, fold in those mashed, ripe bananas. They should be silky and mostly lump-free by now—this ensures even distribution of all that delicious banana flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, gently whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. This step avoids any pockets of leavening and helps your bars rise evenly. Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring just until incorporated. Overmixing is the enemy of tenderness, so stop as soon as the flour disappears! If you’re adding walnuts, now’s the time to fold them in.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will start to smell like a little slice of heaven. Let the bars cool completely—patience here is key for perfect frosting later.
Step 6: Make Dreamy Brown Butter Frosting
For the signature brown butter frosting, place the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as it melts and then begins to foam, keeping a sharp eye (and nose!) out for a golden color and nutty aroma. This takes just a few minutes but transforms the flavor entirely. Once the butter is browned, remove it from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Step 7: Whip Up the Frosting and Finish
In a large bowl, whisk together your brown butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If it’s too thick, add another splash of milk; too thin, a sprinkle more sugar. Spread generously over your cooled banana bars. Cut into squares and prepare yourself for happy smiles all around!
How to Serve Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting
Garnishes
Sometimes, just a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts or a dusting of powdered sugar on top takes these Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting to an impressive new level. Try a quick zigzag drizzle of melted chocolate or even add a few banana slices just before serving for a fresh twist and extra wow factor.
Side Dishes
Complement the rich sweetness of these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a big mug of coffee, or even some tangy fresh berries on the side. Serving Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting with a little dollop of whipped cream or alongside fruit salad turns it into a showstopping dessert spread, perfect for family gatherings or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making these for a party or gift, consider cutting the bars into fun shapes with a cookie cutter, or stacking two layers with a little extra frosting in between for mini banana layer cakes. You can even serve the bars as part of a dessert platter with other treats. However you plate it, Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting are always a memorable centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting fresh by covering them tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm or you want to stretch their lifespan, stash them in the refrigerator—they’ll stay moist and delicious for up to a week. Just be sure they’re well covered so the frosting stays luscious, not dry.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these bars! Once the frosting has set, slice into single servings, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and they’ll be ready to impress whenever you need a homemade treat.
Reheating
If you prefer your Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting gently warmed (and who could blame you?), microwave individual bars for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the cake and makes the frosting even creamier—a comforting indulgence, especially on cool evenings.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for the bars?
Yes, frozen bananas work wonderfully. Just let them thaw, discard any excess liquid, and mash before adding to your batter for that same sweet banana taste.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten free?
You can substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten free baking flour for the all-purpose flour in this recipe. Make sure to check your other ingredients for hidden gluten if allergies are a concern.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch pans or a single, larger pan (just keep an eye on the baking time to ensure even doneness).
What if I don’t have sour cream?
No sour cream? Try plain Greek yogurt as a substitute. It provides similar moisture and tang while keeping the bars soft and tender.
How do I keep my brown butter from burning?
Making brown butter is quick work—never walk away! Stir constantly once the butter is melted, watch for golden flecks, and remove from heat as soon as it smells fragrant and nutty. Cooling it briefly before mixing into the frosting also helps preserve that perfect flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new go-to dessert that’s as easy as it is impressive, you can’t go wrong with Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting. The soft banana base and that gloss of nutty, toasty sweet frosting is pure magic. Whip up a batch and share the joy—chances are, this will become a classic in your kitchen too!
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Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious banana bars topped with a rich brown butter frosting. Perfectly moist and flavorful, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.
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 the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. 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 mixture.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.
- Make the frosting: Brown butter in a saucepan, then mix with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Frost and serve: Spread frosting over cooled bars, cut into squares, and enjoy!
Notes
- For added crunch, include 1/2 cup chopped walnuts in the batter.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 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
