Banana Bread Bars Brown Butter (Print-Friendly Version)
Fluffy banana bars finished with smooth brown butter frosting, perfect for sharing or as a sweet snack.
# What You’ll Need to Make This:
→ Banana Bars
01 -
1 ½ cups (about 340 grams) ripe bananas, mashed (approximately 3 large bananas)
02 -
1 teaspoon (5 millilitres) freshly squeezed lemon juice
03 -
2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
04 -
1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking soda
05 -
¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) fine salt
06 -
½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
07 -
1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
08 -
2 large eggs
09 -
1 teaspoon (5 millilitres) vanilla extract
10 -
¾ cup (180 grams) sour cream
→ Brown Butter Frosting
11 -
½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter
12 -
4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar
13 -
1 ½ teaspoons (7.5 millilitres) vanilla extract
14 -
3 tablespoons (45 millilitres) milk
# How to Prepare:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 190°C. Grease a 25 x 38 cm jelly roll pan thoroughly.
02 -
In a bowl, stir the mashed bananas with lemon juice and set aside.
03 -
In a second bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
04 -
Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy.
05 -
Blend in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
06 -
Alternately add the banana mixture and the flour mixture to the creamed ingredients, mixing gently after each addition. Add the sour cream with the final portion of flour and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
07 -
Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
08 -
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
09 -
For the frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, about 3 to 5 minutes. Immediately remove from heat and transfer to a clean bowl to cool slightly.
10 -
Beat in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk gradually until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
11 -
Spread the brown butter frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For best results, use overripe bananas with brown spots for enhanced sweetness and flavour.
02 -
Take care not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to maintain a light, tender crumb.
03 -
Monitor the butter closely when browning for the frosting to prevent burning; once a nutty aroma is detected, quickly remove from heat.