Browned Butter Banana Bars

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread Bars:

• ▢ 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar

• ▢ 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

• ▢ 1/2 cup butter softened

• ▢ 2 large eggs

• ▢ 3-4 ripe bananas mashed

• ▢ 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• ▢ 2 cups all purpose flour

• ▢ 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ▢ 3/4 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze:

• ▢ 4 Tablespoons butter

• ▢ 2 cups powdered sugar

• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ▢ 1-2 Tablespoon milk

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 9×13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.

• In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the sour cream and eggs, bananas and vanilla extract.  

• Add the flour, baking soda, salt, and mix just until moistened. Stir in walnuts, if using.

• 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. Make frosting while the bars bake.

For the Brown Butter Frosting:

• 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 so you don't burn the butter!) Remove from heat immediately.

• Whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. (Add a little more powdered sugar, or milk, if needed to thicken or thin the frosting). Pour the warm frosting over the warm bars.  Spread gently with the back of a spoon.