Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing

Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing are a delightful treat that captures the essence of ripe bananas and rich, nutty flavors. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth at home, these bars are moist and decadent. The combination of banana and brown butter icing takes them to the next level, making them a standout dessert. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, and watch as they quickly disappear from any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these banana bars come together quickly.
• Deliciously Moist: Ripe bananas ensure that each bite is soft and flavorful, making it hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack—these bars fit any occasion.
• Kid-Friendly: A great way to get kids to enjoy bananas in a fun and tasty format.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The brown butter icing adds a unique depth that complements the sweetness of the bananas.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing, having the right tools makes all the difference. Gather your kitchen essentials beforehand to streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking dish (8×8)
• Parchment paper
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: This is where you’ll combine your ingredients for a smooth batter.
• Baking dish (8×8): Ensures even baking for perfectly shaped bars.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a light and airy texture in both the batter and icing.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

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. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper, overlapping two pieces so the sides hang over the pan for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat together sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until creamy.
2. Blend in mashed bananas and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add flour, baking soda, and salt to the mixture:
– Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
– Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown:
– Let cool slightly before removing from the pan using parchment paper.

Step 5: Prepare Brown Butter Icing

In a medium saucepan:
1. Melt butter over medium-high heat.
2. Keep cooking until brown bits form at the bottom; swirl the pan occasionally for even browning.

Step 6: Whisk Together Icing Ingredients

Pour browned butter into a heat-proof bowl:
– Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 7: Ice Your Bars

Once bars have cooled for about 10-15 minutes:
– Spread icing over warm bars for a soft texture; this creates an amazing slightly-melty effect.

Now you can enjoy your delicious Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing!

How to Serve Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing

Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing are a delicious treat perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative ways to serve these delightful bars that will impress your family and friends.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside sliced strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Add a scoop of your favorite fruit salad for added color and flavor.

Coffee Companion

• Enjoy your banana bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Consider pairing with flavored coffees like hazelnut or vanilla to enhance the sweetness.

Ice Cream Delight

• Top with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Drizzle with chocolate sauce or fruit syrup for extra sweetness.

Picnic Treat

• Pack them in lunch boxes or picnic baskets for an easy, portable snack.
• Cut into smaller squares for bite-sized portions that are easy to share.

Breakfast Option

• Serve as a quick breakfast treat on busy mornings.
• Add a dollop of yogurt on top for extra protein and creaminess.

How to Perfect Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing

Making the perfect Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out wonderfully every time.

• Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to keep the bars moist and tender. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
• Check your oven temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s accurate for even baking.
• Let the bars cool slightly: Cooling them for about 10-15 minutes before icing allows the frosting to spread easily and adhere better.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer them chilled.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing

These Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing can be complemented perfectly by various side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit for a healthy balance to the sweet bars.
2. Nutty Granola – Serve crunchy granola on the side for added texture and nutty flavor.
3. Fruit Salad – A fresh mix of seasonal fruits can lighten up the sweetness of the bars and add freshness.
4. Chia Seed Pudding – Creamy chia pudding provides a nutritious contrast that pairs well with banana flavors.
5. Trail Mix – A handful of trail mix adds a satisfying crunch alongside the soft bars, making it an ideal snack combo.
6. Coconut Whipped Cream – Light and airy coconut whipped cream can enhance both flavor and texture when served next to the bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sometimes, even the best recipes can go awry due to simple mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for when making Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing.

• Using unripe bananas: Unripe bananas do not provide the natural sweetness and moisture needed for these bars. Always use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough bars. Stir until just combined to keep them soft and moist.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Not lining your baking dish can make it hard to remove the bars. Always line with parchment paper for easy lifting.
• Not cooling before icing: Icing on hot bars can melt away. Allow them to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before spreading the icing.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so precise measurements are crucial. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for best results.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• The bars will last up to 5 days.

Freezing Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then 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, warm the bars for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently for 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing?

Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing are moist dessert bars made from ripe bananas topped with a rich brown butter icing, perfect for any occasion.

Can I customize Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing?

Yes! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon to enhance the flavor of your banana bars.

How do I know when my Banana Bars are done baking?

Your Banana Bars are ready when they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I use other types of flour?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends if necessary, but this may alter the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

These Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to please everyone. They’re versatile enough for breakfast or dessert and can be customized easily. Try adding your favorite mix-ins or toppings to make them truly your own!