Banana bars with brown butter frosting -the best way to use ripe bananas! These bars are super soft and are always a hit at potlucks. They never last long!
Whenever I spot a bunch of brown bananas at the store, or end up with some on my counter, I know exactly what I want to make…frosted banana bars. As much as I love banana bread (especially with chocolate chips), these bars are always on my mind.
The only problem with these bars is they make a lot, so I have to find a place to take them or I will eat the entire pan! You can definitely cut this recipe in half and bake them in a 9×9 bar, but I love to make the whole sheet.
Banana bars
For this recipe I made brown butter frosting to top them with(which is truly divine), but with my original recipe I use a cream cheese frosting, so you can definitely use that as well. If you’re looking for tips on how to brown butter, make sure to check out this post here. And while you’re at it save this recipe for brown butter chocolate chip cookies. Mmm… 
I had my daughter hold the pan to get the pouring shot and I have to say she did a mighty fine job. Look at that frosting! YUM!
We don’t usually top the bars with bananas (unless serving immediately), but I thought it would be pretty for the photo :)
Banana bars with brown butter frosting
Ingredients
For the bars:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature, plus more from the pan
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas 5 brown bananas
Brown butter frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 1/2 -4 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 Tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a large rimmed baking sheet (12×18″). In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar and brown sugar. Add the eggs, sour cream and vanilla. Mix just until combined.
- In a seperate bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Slowly add the flour mixture into the other bowl and stir just until smooth. Fold in the mashed bananas and then pour into the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes clean and the top is golden. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely.
- For the brown butter frosting, melt the butter in a large sauce pan over medium heat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the butter has turned a golden brown and has a nutty aroma. As soon as you notice the color change, quickly remove the pan from heat to prevent it from burning.
- Whisk in the powdered sugar, milk and the vanilla. Pour immediately over the bars and spread evenly with a spatula. Move quickly, as the frosting will thicken fast. Cover until ready to serve.
Video
Nutrition
These banana cake bars are a great recipe to make when you need to bring something for a crowd. Adults and kids all love this recipe.
Hope you enjoy these banana bars with brown butter frosting!
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This is such a fun way to use leftover ripe bananas! Absolutely LOVE that brown butter frosting on top!
I didn’t measure the 2 cups of mashed banana, I just trusted my 5 overripe bananas would be 2 cups. I think that was a mistake, the bars are kind of wet. The flavor is good though, so I will try again next time I have brown bananas.
I’m sorry they were wet. I hope you give them another try. They are one of my favorite bar recipes! :)
I’m sure it was user error on my part ?
I love brown butter frosting! I can eat it by the spoonful! These banana bars look amazing! It perfectly fine that this recipe makes a lot because I’ll no trouble getting rid of them!
Brown butter frosting really is amazing! I love having extra to put between graham crackers for a snack too! :)