Description
These Best Banana Bars are moist, flavorful, and perfectly tender, baked at a low temperature to retain extra moisture. Topped with a decadent brown butter cream cheese frosting, they make a delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Banana Bars
- 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
Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1 (8-ounce) package Cream Cheese, softened
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste or Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. This low temperature helps keep the banana cake extra moist throughout baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar together for 5 minutes or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creates a creamy base for the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing each thoroughly before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with flavor.
- Prepare Bananas: In a small bowl, mash the ripe bananas with fresh lemon juice (optional) to prevent browning. Add the mashed bananas to the batter and mix well. Then stir in the buttermilk for moisture and richness.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Bake: Bake for 70 to 75 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. After baking, let the banana bars cool at room temperature or place in the freezer for 45 minutes to 1 hour to lock in moisture. Use oven mitts to handle the pan when placing it in the freezer.
- Brown the Butter for Frosting: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, allowing it to cook until it turns a light golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and transfer the browned butter to a mixing bowl to cool for about 20 minutes.
- Make Frosting: Once the browned butter has cooled, add the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean paste. Beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy, creating a rich frosting.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the brown butter cream cheese frosting evenly over the chilled banana bars. For best results, ensure the bars are well chilled before frosting.
- Store and Serve: Store the frosted banana bars in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve. Cut into 24 bars and enjoy!
Notes
- The low baking temperature ensures the banana bars remain moist and tender.
- Lemon juice is optional but helps keep the mashed bananas fresh and bright.
- Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to the frosting that enhances the overall taste.
- Chilling the bars before frosting helps the frosting spread smoothly and prevents melting.
- These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
