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Home » Recipes » Brownies + Bars

Easy Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting

Published: Jul 31, 2023 · Modified: Dec 5, 2024 by Jill Lockridge · Leave a Comment

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Delight in the yumminess of Easy Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting. Whether you're serving them at a special occasion or enjoying a moment, our banana bars are the perfect treat for any dessert lover. Get ready for a journey of flavors and make your batch today!

Jump to Recipe
banana bars with brown butter frosting slice on a white plate.

As a passionate foodie, I can't help but gush over banana bars. There's something truly magical about the combination of ripe, sweet bananas and the tender, moist texture of these bars. Whether I enjoy them as a quick afternoon treat or pair them with a warm cup of coffee, banana bars never fail to bring a smile to my face. They're a simple pleasure, reminding me of home-baked love and family gatherings.

Leave a comment or review below to let us know what you think!

Try some of our other favorite bars and brownies, such as: Slutty Brownies, Lemon Cheesecake Bars, Delicious Pumpkin Bars, or The Best Mississippi Mud Brownies.

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  • What ingredients do I need for Banana Bread Brownie Bars?
  • FAQs
  • Top Tips
  • How to make Banana Bread Bars
  • Banana Bread Bars with Brown Butter Frosting

What ingredients do I need for Banana Bread Brownie Bars?

banana bars with frosting ingredients

Banana Bars

  • granulated sugar
  • sour cream or greek yogurt
  • unsalted butter
  • eggs
  • bananas
  • vanilla extract
  • all purpose flour
  • baking soda
  • salt
  • walnuts (optional)

Brown Butter Frosting

  • unsalted butter
  • powdered sugar
  • whole milk
  • vanilla extract

FAQs

What are Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting?

Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting are moist and flavorful dessert bars made with ripe bananas and topped with a rich, nutty brown butter frosting. They are a delicious way to use up overripe bananas and are perfect for any occasion.

Can I freeze Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting?

Yes, you can freeze the banana bars (preferably without frosting) for up to 2 months. Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost before serving.

What if my frosting is too thick or too thin?

If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until it thickens up.

Top Tips

  • Ripe Bananas: Use ripe bananas with brown spots on the skin for the best flavor and sweetness. They are easier to mash and will infuse the bars with a rich banana taste.
  • Brown Butter Frosting: Take your time when browning the butter for the frosting. Watch it closely as it can go from perfectly browned to burnt quickly. Once browned, cool the butter slightly before using it in the frosting.
  • Don't Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough and dense bars.
  • Optional Garnish: For added visual appeal and a touch of crunch, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts or banana slices on top of the frosted bars.
  • Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How to make Banana Bread Bars

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, eggs, sour cream, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

    banana bread bars with brown butter frosting
  3. In a small bowl, mash the bananas with a potato masher or fork.

    banana bars recipe with brown butter frosting
  4. Add mashed bananas, all purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract. Mixing until smooth.

    banana bars with frosting
  5. Fold in the walnuts, if you are using them.

    banana bread brownies with brown butter frosting
  6. Spread into your prepared baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick tested in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool.

    banana bread brownies with brown butter frosting
  7. Gather the ingredients for the brown butter frosting.

    banana brownies with brown butter frosting
  8. In a large pan, over medium heat, melt the butter. Cook until it has turned a golden brown, with a nutty aroma (about 3-4 minutes). Quickly remove from heat, so you do not burn it.

    banana bread brownies brown butter frosting
  9. Whisk in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, until smooth.

    banana brownies with frosting
  10. Spread quickly over the banana bars, as the frosting will thicken fast. Sprinkle with extra walnuts or banana slices. Slice and enjoy!

    banana bread brownies with brown butter frosting recipe
frosted banana bars sliced and on a white plate with a fork.

Banana Bread Bars with Brown Butter Frosting

Jill Lockridge-The Freckled Cook
Delight in the scrumptious goodness of Banana Bars with Brown Butter Frosting, a heavenly fusion of ripe bananas and moist cake-like texture. Whether you crave a wholesome snack or a delectable dessert, these bars are a delightful choice.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

Banana Bars

  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sour cream or greek yogurt
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 bananas, mashed
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Brown Butter Frosting

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Banana Bars

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, eggs, sour cream, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • In a small bowl, mash the bananas with a potato masher or fork.
  • Add mashed bananas, all purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract. Mixing until smooth.
  • Fold in the walnuts, if you are using them.
  • Spread into your prepared baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick tested in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool.

Brown Butter Frosting

  • Gather the ingredients for the brown butter frosting.
  • In a large pan, over medium heat, melt the butter. Cook until it has turned a golden brown, with a nutty aroma (about 3-4 minutes) Quickly remove from heat, so you do not burn it.
  • Whisk in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, until smooth.
  • Spread quickly over the banana bars, as the frosting will thicken fast. Sprinkle with extra walnuts or banana slices. Slice and enjoy!
Keyword banana bars, banana brownies, brown butter frosting
Did you try this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Check out these other recipes:

  • Homemade Banana Muffins with Crumb Topping Recipe
  • Chocolate Banana Split Cake Recipe
  • Easy Breakfast Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
  • Best Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe
  • Best Homemade Pumpkin Spice Bars Recipe

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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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Hey y'all! I'm Jill, wife, mom (both human and four-legged), daughter, sister, aunt. I want to bring my love of cooking and baking into your home with family friendly, budget friendly recipes. All of the recipes your find here are tried and true in my own kitchen.
Happy cooking!

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