Name: Best Banana Bars with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup (12 Tablespoons) Butter, softened; 1 3/4 cups Sugar; 1/2 cup Brown Sugar; 3 large Eggs; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 3 Ripe Bananas, mashed; 1 teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice (optional); 1 1/2 cups Buttermilk; 3 cups Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 3/4 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 cup Butter; 1 (8-ounce) package Cream Cheese, softened; 3 cups Powdered Sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste or Vanilla Extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 76 reviews

If you are looking for a truly decadent treat that brings together cozy flavors and a moist texture, look no further than the Best Banana Bars with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This dish combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich, nutty brown butter frosting that is both creamy and delightfully tangy from the cream cheese. Perfect for any day you crave a homemade dessert that feels like a warm hug, these banana bars are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A rectangular single-layer cake with a light golden-brown base is evenly covered with a thick layer of creamy white frosting on top, showing gentle swirling textures and soft peaks. The cake sits on a dark-colored baking tray placed on a white marbled surface. To the top left, a set of gold and white measuring spoons rests on a beige cloth. To the top right, there are two stacked white plates with floral embossed patterns and a long golden spoon on top. To the right of the baking tray, a golden cake server lies flat on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Best Banana Bars with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its straightforward list of ingredients, each selected to enhance the dish’s flavor, texture, and appearance. Using common kitchen staples, this recipe transforms them into an irresistible bar that balances sweetness, moisture, and richness perfectly.

3/4 cup or 12 Tablespoons softened Butter: Provides a creamy base and richness to the bars.
1 3/4 cups Sugar: Adds essential sweetness and contributes to the moist texture.
1/2 cup Brown Sugar: Infuses a deep caramel undertone and enhances moistness.
3 large Eggs: Bind the ingredients and help with structure and fluffiness.
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Adds aromatic warmth and depth of flavor.
3 Ripe Bananas, mashed: The star of the show, offering natural sweetness and moisture.
1 teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice (optional): Brightens the banana’s flavor and balances sweetness.
1 1/2 cups Buttermilk: Contributes to tenderness and a slight tang that complements the banana perfectly.
3 cups Flour: Creates structure to hold the moist batter together.
1 teaspoon Baking Soda: Leavens the batter for a light texture.
3/4 teaspoon Baking Powder: Provides a little extra lift to keep the bars fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
1/2 cup Butter (for frosting): The base for the luscious brown butter frosting.
1 (8-ounce) pkg. Cream Cheese, softened: Creates the creamy, tangy element of the frosting.
3 cups Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste or Vanilla Extract: Adds a fragrant, flavorful finish to the frosting.

How to Make Best Banana Bars with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by warming your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. This lower temperature is key to baking the bars slowly, which locks in moisture and ensures every bite is tender and moist—trust me, this slow bake is what makes these the best banana bars you’ll ever try.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and slightly pale. This process incorporates air to create a tender crumb. Then add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next, followed by the vanilla extract for that special warmth.

Step 3: Add Bananas and Buttermilk

In a separate small bowl, mash the ripe bananas and mix in the lemon juice. Adding the lemon juice helps balance the sweetness and preserve the banana’s fresh flavor. Stir the banana mixture into the creamed butter and sugar, then add the buttermilk to bring moisture and tenderness to the mix.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, then gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mixing until just combined is important—overmixing could lead to dense bars, and we want the lightest, fluffiest texture possible.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour your batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake for 70 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once out of the oven, allow the bars to cool to room temperature or refrigerate them for 45 minutes to an hour. Cooling helps firm them up while preserving their exceptional moistness.

Step 6: Make the Brown Butter Frosting

To make the frosting, melt the half cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns a light golden brown. The aroma of nutty, toasted butter is absolutely intoxicating, but keep a close eye to prevent burning. After removing from heat, let the browned butter cool about 20 minutes, then beat it together with softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean paste until creamy and fluffy. This frosting is the magic finale that elevates these banana bars to the next level.

Step 7: Frost and Chill

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled banana bars. Pop the whole pan into the refrigerator or freezer to set the frosting and keep the bars fresh until you are ready to serve them.

How to Serve Best Banana Bars with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A single square piece of cake with a light golden brown base layer is topped with a thick, creamy layer of smooth white frosting that has soft, swirled textures covering the entire top. The cake sits on a simple white plate, and next to it is a shiny gold spoon resting on the plate's right side. The setting is on a white marbled surface, adding subtle texture to the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting before it firms for a delightful crunch and nutty contrast. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few banana chips can also add a beautiful touch and aroma when serving.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert. If serving for breakfast or brunch, consider fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side for a light, refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the banana bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a stylish platter for any party or potluck. For a charming twist, assemble mini banana bar parfaits layered with frosting and chopped nuts in small glass jars—perfect for impressing guests while minimizing mess.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover banana bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Properly stored, they will stay moist and delicious for 3 to 4 days, making them a convenient treat for busy days.

Freezing

If you want to keep these bars longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy the bars warm, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the microwave for about 20 seconds or until just warmed through. This brings back their comforting softness and releases all the wonderful aromas.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar in this recipe?

While you can substitute all brown sugar with granulated sugar, using brown sugar adds moisture and a lovely caramel note that really enhances the flavor profile of the banana bars and contributes to their moist texture.

Is it necessary to bake at such a low temperature (275 degrees)?

Yes! Baking these bars slowly at a low temperature ensures they stay super moist and tender, preventing the edges from drying out. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in texture.

Can I make the frosting without browning the butter?

You could skip browning the butter, but the nutty depth that brown butter adds is what truly sets the frosting apart. It elevates the frosting from ordinary to exceptional, so I highly recommend the extra step.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For the best flavor, use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots. The natural sugars in ripe bananas intensify sweetness and moisture, which is essential for these bars.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! The recipe scales well, just be sure to use an appropriately sized baking dish and monitor baking times closely to avoid over- or under-baking.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t yet tried the Best Banana Bars with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, your kitchen awaits a delightful adventure. This recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate ripe bananas with a frosting that’s both unique and irresistible. Take your time with each step, savor the incredible aromas filling your home, and enjoy every bite of these rich, tender bars. I guarantee they’ll become a beloved favorite for your family and friends!