Browned Butter Banana Bars With Salted Caramel Buttercream

Browned Butter Banana Bars With Salted Caramel Buttercream are an indulgent twist on classic banana bars. The nutty depth of browned butter pairs perfectly with sweet, ripe bananas, while the rich salted caramel buttercream takes these bars to an irresistible level of decadence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These banana bars are ultra-moist with an elevated flavor from browned butter. The salted caramel buttercream adds a sweet-salty balance that makes each bite unforgettable. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or whenever you have ripe bananas to use up.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ripe bananasunsalted butterbrown sugargranulated sugareggsvanilla extractall-purpose flourbaking sodasalt

For the Salted Caramel Buttercream:
unsalted butterpowdered sugarsalted caramel saucemilk or heavy creamsea salt

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the browned butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely.

For the Salted Caramel Buttercream, beat the butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in the salted caramel sauce and a splash of milk or cream. Beat until fluffy. Add a pinch of sea salt to taste.

Spread the buttercream generously over the cooled banana bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 20 bars.Preparation time: 20 minutesBaking time: 25-30 minutesCooling and frosting time: 30 minutesTotal time: 75-80 minutes

Variations

Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch.

Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over the frosted bars for more decadence.

Top with flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.

storage/reheating

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Why brown the butter?

Browning butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the banana bars’ richness.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s thick and flavorful.

Do these bars freeze well?

Yes! Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?

The batter can be baked in muffin tins for individual portions—adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes.

Why is my buttercream runny?

If your buttercream is too soft, chill it for a few minutes and re-whip, or add more powdered sugar.

Conclusion

Browned Butter Banana Bars With Salted Caramel Buttercream combine rich, nutty flavors with sweet bananas and a decadent frosting. These bars are a crowd-pleaser that transforms everyday ingredients into a bakery-worthy treat. Try them once, and they’re sure to become a favorite!

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