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Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting

Irresistibly Soft Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting

These Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting are a game changer, using ripe bananas for a quick, soft, and delicious dessert.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 9 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bars
  • 1/4 cup butter softened; substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free option
  • 3/4 cup sugar experiment with brown sugar for deeper flavor
  • 1/2 cup sour cream Greek or non-dairy yogurt can work too
  • 1 egg no substitutes suggested
  • 1 cup very ripe bananas about 2 bananas, mashed; essential for sweetness
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract pure vanilla is best for depth
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour gluten-free flour blends can be substituted
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda be sure it's fresh for best results
  • 1/2 tsp salt balances sweetness and enhances flavors
For the Frosting
  • 1/2 cup butter browned for rich flavor
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar essential for sweetness and smooth texture
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract adds depth to frosting's flavor profile
  • 1 1/2 tbsp milk plant-based milk is perfect for dairy-free frosting

Equipment

  • 8x8 baking dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • spatula
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together the softened butter, sugar, sour cream, and egg until smooth. Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients until just combined.
  4. Spread the batter in the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Pour the browned butter into a bowl and whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
  7. Cool the bars slightly, remove from the pan, and frost generously with the brown butter frosting.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Perfect for using up very ripe bananas! Adjust the milk in your frosting for desired consistency and feel free to personalize with nuts or chocolate chips.

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