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Moist Banana Bars with Browned Butter Vanilla Glaze

Close-up of a single serving of Moist Banana Bars with Browned Butter Vanilla Glaze on a white plate.
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A recipe for soft, moist banana bars topped with a rich glaze made from browned butter and vanilla extract.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 medium)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream (for glaze, if needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the softened 1 cup of butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  5. Mix in the mashed bananas until just combined.
  6. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  9. To make the glaze, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter foams, then brown bits form at the bottom and it smells nutty (about 5-7 minutes). Immediately pour the browned butter into a heatproof bowl and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes.
  10. Whisk the powdered sugar into the slightly cooled browned butter. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add milk or cream one teaspoon at a time until you reach a pourable consistency.
  11. Pour or spread the browned butter vanilla glaze evenly over the cooled banana bars. Let the glaze set before cutting and serving.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture in your bars.
  • To brown butter quickly, watch it closely; the milk solids burn fast once they start turning brown.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less milk or cream in the final step.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://whiskdaily.com/moist-banana-bars-browned-butter-vanilla-glaze-dessert/