Banana Bars with Brown Butter

Banana bars with brown butter icing make an effortless yet impressive dessert that I turn to when I want something sweet but not fussy. They come together quickly using ripe bananas and simple pantry ingredients, offering moistness and comforting flavors that feel like a warm hug.

These bars have become my go-to when I have leftover bananas and want something beyond the usual banana bread. Once I tried the brown butter icing, it was never banana bars as usual again.

Ingredients

• Butter: essential for both the bars and the brown butter icing browning it brings a deeper, nuttier flavor
• Powdered sugar: keeps the icing smooth and sweet while vanilla extract heightens the aroma picking fresh vanilla extract will boost taste noticeably
• Very ripe bananas: add natural sweetness and moisture skip underripe ones for best texture
• Sour cream: tenderizes the bars and adds a subtle tang choose full-fat for richness
• All-purpose flour: provides structure make sure it is fresh for better rise and texture
• Baking soda: helps the bars rise and become fluffy ensure it is still active for best results
• Sugar: sweetens and helps the bars brown regular granulated sugar works perfectly
• Egg: binds the ingredients and contributes to a soft crumb
• Milk: in the icing adjusts consistency whole or 2 percent milk will work well
• Salt: balances all the sweetness and elevates flavor

Instructions

Build The Batter:

Beat sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and egg in a large bowl until creamy and smooth. Mash bananas well and blend in along with vanilla extract. This creates a moist and flavorful base before adding dry ingredients.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

Sift flour with baking soda and salt into the wet mix and stir gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter which keeps the bars tender.

Prepare The Pan And Bake:

Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper so the bars lift out easily after baking. Pour the batter evenly and bake in a preheated 375 F oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool Slightly:

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes. This makes them firm enough to frost without melting the icing completely but still warm enough to soften it on top.

Make The Brown Butter Icing:

Melt 1/2 cup butter over medium-high heat in a saucepan. Continue cooking while swirling or stirring until the butter foams and brown specks appear at the bottom with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and pour into a separate bowl to stop cooking.

Mix The Icing:

Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the icing is smooth. Add milk carefully to reach a spreadable but slightly thick consistency suitable for topping bars.

Frost The Bars:

Spread the brown butter icing evenly over the bars once slightly cooled but still warm. The icing will soften on top creating a glossy, indulgent finish.

I love how the warm aroma of browned butter fills my kitchen and how the bars instantly bring back cozy family moments from weekends growing up

Storage Tips

Bars keep well at room temperature for up to two days covered in an airtight container maintaining softness For longer storage refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving to preserve icing texture You can also freeze bars individually wrapped for up to three months and thaw in the fridge overnight

Ingredient Swaps

You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version though it changes moisture slightly For a dairy-free option use a plant-based butter and milk substitute keeping similar measurements If bananas aren&t very ripe, adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup can boost sweetness

Serving Ideas

Serve bars slightly warm for melty icing or chilled for a firmer texture depending on preference Pair with a cup of black coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor

This recipe turns simple ingredients into a memorable dessert with ease and warmth

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What makes the banana bars moist?

The use of ripe bananas along with sour cream adds moisture and tenderness, resulting in soft, moist bars.

→ How do you make brown butter icing?

Brown the butter by melting it over medium heat until golden bits form, then whisk with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.

→ Can I use frozen bananas for the bars?

Yes, thaw the bananas completely and drain excess liquid before mashing to maintain proper batter consistency.

→ Why is parchment paper recommended for baking?

Lining the pan with parchment prevents sticking and helps lift the bars out easily after baking.

→ How long should the bars cool before icing?

Allow the bars to cool for about 10-15 minutes to ensure the icing sets properly without melting away.

→ What texture should the batter have before baking?

The batter should be smooth with no flour streaks but not overmixed, to keep the bars tender.