These tender, moist and delicious Banana Bread Bars are made even more amazing because they’re topped with brown butter icing.
![Banana Bread Bars with Brown Butter Icing recipe from RecipeGirl.com banana bread bars on a plate](https://www.recipeboy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Banana-Bread-Bars-6.jpeg.webp)
Banana Bread Bars
When there are sweet, ripe, ugly bananas on your countertop, it’s a no-brainer to make some banana bread. But once in a while you need to break out of the habit. Bake some banana bread bars instead. You’ll be glad you did!
![Tastes Better From Scratch tastes better from scratch cookbook cover](https://www.recipeboy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Screen-Shot-2023-03-22-at-10.02.33-AM-600x749.png.webp)
This recipe comes from a new cookbook by Lauren Allen: Tastes Better from Scratch- Easy Recipes for Everyday Life. Lauren is the author of the popular blog- TastesBetterFromScratch.com. The cookbook is filled with her favorite classic recipes, plus fan favorites from the website. These are recipes that an everyday home cook will want to make!
Here are a few family-friendly recipes in the book that you might want to make:
- Belgian Waffles
- Homemade White Bread
- Taco Pie
- Italian Meatball Subs
- Baked Wedge Fries
- Gourmet Mac and Cheese
- Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
- Rolo Cookies
![Banana Bread Bars with Brown Butter Icing recipe from RecipeGirl.com ingredients displayed for making banana bread bars](https://www.recipeboy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Banana-Bread-Bars-2.jpeg.webp)
🛒 Ingredients Needed:
- granulated white sugar
- unsalted butter
- Greek yogurt
- eggs
- ripe bananas
- vanilla extract
- all purpose flour
- baking soda and salt
- powdered sugar
- milk
![Banana Bread Bars with Brown Butter Icing recipe from RecipeGirl.com four photos showing how to make banana bread bars](https://www.recipeboy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Banana-Bread-Bars-3.jpeg.webp)
✏️ How to make Banana Bread Bars:
*The complete, printable recipe is in the recipe card at the end of this post.
PREPARE THE BANANA BREAD BARS:
- Preheat the oven to 375℉. Spray a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar and butter. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until creamy. Mix in the yogurt (or sour cream), eggs, bananas and vanilla.
- Add the flour, baking soda and salt; mix just until moistened.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 23 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Meanwhile, make the frosting.
PREPARE THE FROSTING:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the butter. Allow it to come to a simmer and cook just until it starts to turn a delicate brown and has a nutty aroma. (Watch it carefully, so you don’t burn the butter). Remove the pan from heat immediately.
- Whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Add a little more powdered sugar or milk if needed to thicken or thin the frosting.
![Banana Bread Bars with Brown Butter Icing recipe from RecipeGirl.com pan of banana bread bars with brown butter frosting](https://www.recipeboy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Banana-Bread-Bars-4.jpeg.webp)
Pour the warm frosting over the warm bars. Allow them to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
➡️ Tips and Substitutions::
- Add 2/3 cup chopped walnuts, pecans or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
- Use a cream cheese frosting in place of the brown butter frosting.
- Use sour cream in place of the Greek yogurt.
![Banana Bread Bars with Brown Butter Icing recipe from RecipeGirl.com pan of banana bread bars cut into pieces](https://www.recipeboy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Banana-Bread-Bars-5.jpeg.webp)
Make Ahead:
Bake and frost these banana bread bars 1 to 2 days ahead of time. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How to Freeze:
Bake in a disposable baking pan. Once cool, cover with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before cutting and serving.
![Banana Bread Bars with Brown Butter Icing recipe from RecipeGirl.com banana bread bar on rack](https://www.recipeboy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Banana-Bread-Bars-1.jpeg.webp)
❤️ What I Love About This Recipe:
- Even without the frosting, these banana bread bars are delicious.
- The brown butter frosting is addicting. It puts these bars over the top!
- I love to have a new recipe to use up my ripe bananas!