Frosted banana cake bars (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Banana Bread Bars
01 -
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
02 -
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
03 -
1/2 cup butter, softened
04 -
2 large eggs
05 -
3-4 ripe bananas, mashed
06 -
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
07 -
2 cups all-purpose flour
08 -
1 teaspoon baking soda
09 -
3/4 teaspoon salt
→ For the Brown Butter Frosting
10 -
4 Tablespoons butter
11 -
2 cups powdered sugar
12 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 -
1-2 Tablespoons milk
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 9x13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.
02 -
In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), eggs, mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
03 -
Add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until moistened. If using nuts, stir them in now.
04 -
Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and bake for 23-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, or with few crumbs.
05 -
While the bars bake, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow it to come to a simmer until it starts to turn a delicate brown and has a nutty aroma (watch carefully to avoid burning). Remove from heat immediately.
06 -
Whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. Add more powdered sugar or milk if needed to achieve desired consistency.
07 -
Pour the warm frosting over the warm banana bread bars. Spread gently with the back of a spoon and allow to cool before cutting into squares.
# Notes:
01 -
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a nutty crunch.
02 -
Mini chocolate chips make a delicious addition to the batter.
03 -
For a healthier version, reduce the sugar by half and use 3-4 tablespoons of butter for the frosting.
04 -
These bars can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.