The Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These bars are moist, flavorful, and topped with a rich, nutty icing that enhances their natural sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, this recipe satisfies every time. The unique combination of ripe bananas and brown butter creates an irresistible dessert that will have everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delicious bars quickly.
- Moist and Flavorful: The ripe bananas ensure that each bar is incredibly moist and packed with flavor.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, picnics, or as an afternoon snack, these bars fit any occasion.
- Irresistible Icing: The brown butter icing adds a rich depth of flavor that makes these bars stand out from the rest.
- Great for Overripe Bananas: Transform those overripe bananas into a delightful treat instead of letting them go to waste.
Tools and Preparation
Before starting your baking adventure, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment on hand greatly simplifies the preparation of your Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8×8 baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- 8×8 baking dish: The perfect size for baking these bars evenly without risking overflow.
- Parchment paper: Makes it easy to lift the baked bars out of the pan for clean slicing and serving.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining the wet and dry ingredients efficiently.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1/2 cup/1 stick of butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 egg
- 1 cup (about 2) very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- ½ tsp. salt
For the Brown Butter Icing:
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1½ tbsp. milk
How to Make Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, beat together:
1. Sugar
2. Sour cream
3. Butter (the ½ cup)
4. Egg
Continue mixing until creamy and smooth. Then blend in:
– Mashed bananas
– Vanilla extract
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add:
– All-purpose flour
– Baking soda
– Salt
Stir together until just combined; do not over-mix. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown on top. Allow them to cool slightly before removing from the pan using the parchment paper.
Step 5: Make Brown Butter Icing
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt:
– The remaining ¼ cup of butter
Let it cook until it turns golden brown with small bits forming at the bottom; swirl occasionally but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Mix Icing Ingredients
Pour the browned butter into a heat-proof bowl and whisk in:
– Powdered sugar
– Vanilla extract
– Milk
Mix until smooth.
Step 7: Ice Your Bars
Once the banana bars have cooled for about 10–15 minutes (they should still be warm), spread the brown butter icing generously on top for that perfect finishing touch!
Enjoy your delicious Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing!
How to Serve Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing
Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing make a delightful treat for any occasion. They can be served warm or at room temperature and are perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.
For Breakfast or Brunch
- With Coffee: Pair these bars with a hot cup of coffee for a sweet morning boost.
- Fruit Salad: Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
As an Afternoon Snack
- With Tea: Enjoy these bars with your favorite herbal tea for a relaxing afternoon break.
- Nuts on the Side: Offer some mixed nuts to add a crunchy texture that complements the soft bars.
For Dessert
- A La Mode: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a delicious dessert experience.
- Whipped Cream: Add dollops of whipped cream for an extra creamy touch.
How to Perfect Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing
To achieve the best Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing, follow these helpful tips. Each step can enhance your baking experience and outcome.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
- Melt Butter Carefully: When browning butter, keep an eye on it to avoid burning; you want golden brown, not black.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to keep your bars moist and tender.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool before icing; this prevents the icing from melting away and keeps it smooth.
Best Side Dishes for Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing
Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing pair well with various side dishes. Here are some tasty options to consider.
- Greek Yogurt: A scoop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang, balancing out the sweetness of the bars.
- Chia Pudding: Light and nutritious, chia pudding provides a contrast in texture while being refreshing.
- Granola Parfait: Layer banana bars in a parfait glass with yogurt and granola for an appealing dessert option.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: This dairy-free option offers a tropical twist that complements the flavors perfectly.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A simple drizzle of chocolate sauce enhances the sweetness and brings richness.
- Fresh Berries: Serve fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries on the side for added color and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking banana bars with brown butter icing can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can hinder your results.
- Skipping the ripeness check: Using underripe bananas can result in less flavor. Always choose very ripe bananas for the best taste.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined to keep them moist and tender.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Ovens can vary; always preheat to ensure even baking. Use an oven thermometer if necessary.
- Rushing the cooling process: Icing too soon can make it slide off the bars. Allow them to cool for about 10-15 minutes before icing.
- Not using parchment paper: This makes removing the bars difficult. Always line your baking dish with parchment for easy lifting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store banana bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For best flavor, keep them at room temperature for a day or two, then refrigerate.
Freezing Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each bar for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have more questions about making banana bars with brown butter icing, you’re in the right place!
Can I substitute ingredients in Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing?
Yes! You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option or add nuts for extra texture.
How do I know when my banana bars are done?
They should turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Can I make these banana bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy this recipe without gluten.
What can I use instead of brown butter?
You can use regular melted butter if you’re short on time; however, brown butter adds a rich flavor that’s hard to beat.
Final Thoughts
These banana bars with brown butter icing are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or different spices. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing
Indulge in the delightful Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing, a moist and flavorful treat that transforms overripe bananas into a scrumptious dessert. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying an afternoon snack, or simply craving something sweet. The rich brown butter icing adds a nutty depth that elevates these banana bars to irresistible status. Quick and easy to make, this recipe ensures you’ll have everyone coming back for more!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup mashed overripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for icing)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, sour cream, butter, and egg until creamy. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- Add in the flour, baking soda, and salt; mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden on top.
- For icing: Melt butter in a saucepan until golden brown. Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Once cooled slightly, spread the icing over the bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 45g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Use very ripe bananas for optimal sweetness. Ensure not to overmix the batter to maintain moisture. Allow bars to cool before icing to prevent melting.