Easy Banana Bars With Frosting
These easy banana bars are soft, moist and warmly spiced with cinnamon. A fluffy brown sugar maple frosting gives them a rich caramel-like finish and a subtle sugary texture.
Print
Pin
Servings: 12
Calories: 436kcal
Ingredients
Bars
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 medium ripe bananas mashed
Brown Sugar Maple Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- Mix the wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, light brown sugar, egg and vanilla until creamy.
- Add the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Add the bananas. Stir in the mashed bananas until evenly combined. Spread the batter in an even layer inside the prepared pan.
- Bake and cool. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely.
- Make the frosting. Beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, dark brown sugar, salt and vanilla until combined. Gradually pour in the maple syrup while mixing. Continue beating on medium speed until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost the bars. Spread the frosting over the completely cooled bars. Refrigerate until the frosting is set, then cut into 12 squares.
Notes
- Use two medium bananas. Extra-large bananas can add too much moisture and leave the center heavy or underbaked.
- The frosting is smooth and fluffy with a subtle brown sugar texture.
- Mix the batter only until the ingredients are combined to keep the bars tender.
- Begin checking the bars at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Fold 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips into the batter, if desired.
- Store the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.Use two medium, very ripe bananas and allow the bars to cool completely before adding the frosting. Extra-large bananas can make the center heavy, while warm bars will cause the butter-based frosting to soften or melt.
Nutrition
Calories: 436kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 327mg | Potassium: 167mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 61g | Vitamin A: 508IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?If you loved this recipe, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below!