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Banana nut bars with brown butter cream frosting
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Incredibly Awesome Banana Nut Bars with Buttercream Frosting

This is next level banana nut bread
Course: Dessert, Snack
Servings: 24 servings

Ingredients

For the banana nut bars:

  • 3 - 4 ripe bananas (between 1 1/2 and 2 cups, mashed)
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup sugar (up to 1 1/2 cups can be added)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup butter, softened (1 stick or 4 ounces)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (optional) (pecans or walnuts are good choices)

For the brown buttercream frosting:

  • ½ cup butter (1 stick or 4 ounces)
  • 3 - 4 cups confectioners sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 - 3 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Instructions

For the bars

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C and prepare a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
  • Smash the bananas and set aside.
  • Measure the flour, baking soda and salt into a medium bowl and stir together to mix. Set aside.
  • Beat the eggs, sugar, sour cream and softened butter in a large mixing bowl until light in color and creamy.
  • Mix in the bananas and vanilla. Stir vigorously until well blended.
  • Add the flour mixture in thirds, stirring well after each addition.
  • If using nuts, mix them in at the end.
  • Spread the batter in the pan. Use a spatula to make it even. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes. It's done when a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
  • Make the frosting while the banana nut bars are cooling.

For the frosting

  • Cut the butter into chunks and melt in a large saucepan over medium heat until the butter begins to bubble, foam and boil. Continue to stir the butter until the foam subsides and the butter turns a nice brown color. It takes longer than you might think, so mind the heat.
  • The original recipe calls for 4 cups of confectioner's sugar, but I found 3 was plenty. Remove the browned butter from the heat and add the sugar a little at a time, stirring to incorporate after each addition. You want to smooth all the lumps out before adding more sugar.
  • Add the vanilla and enough milk to make the frosting spreadable. Immediately spread the frosting on the banana nut bars (it's easier if both the frosting and the bars are still warm).
  • Cut into bars and enjoy with a glass of milk, cup of tea or coffee.

Notes

The bars will stay nice and moist over the next couple days. We protect the frosting with waxed paper propped up with toothpicks and foil over top that.