Name: Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup sugar; ½ cup sour cream; ¼ cup butter, softened; 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; 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 1½ tbsp. milk

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a treat that’s impossibly soft, fragrant with banana, and topped with the kind of nutty, caramelly icing dreams are made of, these Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing will absolutely sweep you off your feet. They strike that perfect balance between nostalgic comfort and bakery-worthy decadence, making them as irresistible at home with a cup of coffee as they are as a potluck showstopper. Moist banana cake meets the silky crackle of brown butter frosting—trust me, you’ll be dreaming about the moist crumbs and that divine glaze long after the last bite.

Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing is how ordinary ingredients transform into something positively exceptional. Each component plays a starring role, building irresistible flavor and texture. Don’t skip or skimp—this is truly a case of the whole being more than the sum of its parts!

Sugar: Sweetens and helps the bars brown beautifully in the oven for that irresistible golden edge.
Sour Cream: Adds unbeatable moisture and a subtle tang that takes these banana bars to new heights.
Butter (softened): Lends richness and that classic cake crumb, perfectly supporting the banana flavor.
Egg: Acts as the binder and contributes lightness for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Very Ripe Bananas: The star of the show! The riper, the better for maximum sweetness and aromatic banana flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and aroma, enhancing both the bars and the glaze.
All Purpose Flour: Gives the bars structure while keeping them soft and chewy.
Baking Soda: Provides lift and the classic light texture.
Salt: Rounds out the sweetness and deepens every flavor.
Butter (for the frosting): This is what you’ll brown—the magic step that makes the icing undeniably addictive.
Powdered Sugar: The key to a silky smooth, spreadable brown butter icing.
Milk: Just enough to make that icing pourable and lush.

How to Make Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Get your oven nice and hot to 375°F and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. I highly recommend overlapping two pieces so that they hang over the sides. Trust me, this makes lifting out and slicing the Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing absolutely effortless.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and egg until the mixture is creamy and ultra-smooth. This base is what ensures your bars bake up plush and tender every single time.

Step 3: Bring on the Bananas and Vanilla

Maximize banana flavor by mashing your very ripe bananas well, then add them to the bowl along with the vanilla extract. Stir together until you can smell that heavenly banana aroma wafting up—pure comfort!

Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Add in the flour, baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Gently stir just until everything is combined. Careful not to overmix; we want tender crumb, not dense bars. Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, nudging it into the corners.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the bars are golden brown and a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool slightly, then use those parchment overhangs to transfer the bars to a wire rack.

Step 6: Make the Brown Butter Icing

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat, swirling occasionally. Keep a close eye—the magic happens when you see toasty brown bits form at the bottom and smell a nutty aroma. Immediately transfer browned butter to a heatproof bowl, then whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Stir until the frosting is glossy and smooth.

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Once the banana bars have cooled for about 10 to 15 minutes (they should still be just a little warm), spread on your brown butter icing. The gentle heat allows the icing to glide over the top, melting just enough into the corners—every bite will have that signature shimmery finish. Let the bars set briefly before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing

Garnishes

The final flourish can take Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing from wonderful to absolutely show-stopping. Try a light sprinkle of cinnamon, a scattering of toasted pecans or walnuts, or even a dusting of extra powdered sugar. Each brings a contrasting texture or pretty finish that’ll wow your eaters.

Side Dishes

Balance out the sweet and rich flavors with something refreshing alongside. I love servings of fresh berries, a cold glass of milk, or even a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt. If you’re making these for brunch, pair them with black coffee or hot tea for the ultimate treat-yourself moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Cuts into elegant squares for dessert trays, or try making daintier rectangles for a coffee break snack. Hosting a party? Arrange Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing on a rustic wooden board, sprinkle over extra chopped nuts or banana chips, and use edible flowers for a pop of color. The bars also stack beautifully for gift boxes—just be sure to layer with parchment so the icing stays gorgeous.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars stay lovely and moist, so you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. If you’re in a warm climate, stash them in the fridge to keep the brown butter icing set and fresh. Just let them come up to room temp before serving for the softest bite.

Freezing

Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing freeze beautifully! Slice into bars and layer with parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or let them sit at room temperature until perfectly soft and ready to enjoy once again.

Reheating

If you love your bars just a little warm, pop one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The icing will soften into a melty glaze—heavenly! You can also warm larger portions on a low oven setting, but keep a close eye so the frosting doesn’t run.

FAQs

Why does the brown butter icing taste so different from regular frosting?

The secret is in browning the butter! This process caramelizes the milk solids, bringing out deep, nutty, almost toffee-like notes. That subtle complexity takes the icing far beyond basic vanilla: you’ll notice it’s richer and more aromatic with every bite.

Can I make Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The bars may be a touch softer, so be gentle removing them from the pan. The flavors and icing will still shine.

Do I have to use sour cream, or is there a substitute?

Sour cream keeps these bars extra tender and moist, but you can substitute full-fat Greek yogurt or even plain yogurt in a pinch. Each option gives a lovely texture and subtle tang.

What should I do if I don’t have ripe bananas?

If your bananas are still firm, you can ripen them quickly by baking them (in their peels) on a foil-lined baking sheet at 300°F for about 15 minutes. They’ll turn black on the outside and become perfectly sweet inside—ready to mash for your Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, checking for doneness at around 30–35 minutes. You’ll have enough Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing to feed a party or fill a bake sale with ease.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something sweet that’s as comforting as it is downright luxurious, give Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing a spin. Every bite brings nostalgia, surprise, and a not-so-subtle urge to go back for seconds. Go on—bake a batch, and discover just how quickly these bars disappear among friends and family!

Banana Bars with Brown Butter Icing Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these delicious Banana Bars topped with a decadent Brown Butter Icing. They are moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Heat oven to 375F. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.
Mix the batter: In a large bowl, beat together sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until creamy. Blend in bananas and vanilla extract. Add flour, baking soda, salt, stir until just combined. Spread batter evenly into the pan.
Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly and then remove from the pan using the parchment to lift.
Make the Frosting: Brown the butter in a medium saucepan. Pour the browned butter into a heat-proof bowl, whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread the icing on the bars when slightly warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the banana bars batter.
The brown butter frosting adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the banana bars.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American