These Browned Butter Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Buttercream are my popular, Ooey-Gooey Banana Bars, now with an extra layer of decadence from the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter. Soft and flavorful on their own, I love the addition of a salted caramel buttercream to really make each bite stand out! If (or should I say, when) you love these banana bars, you will also want to try my Banana Bread! It’s another fan favorite that brings out the natural sweetness of ripe bananas in a warm, comforting loaf.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Browned Butter: The difference in these banana bars is the browned butter. It adds a rich, nutty flavor that takes them to the next level! I used unsalted butter for both the bars and the buttercream. Make sure to let the browned butter cool before continuing with the recipe. Or, get the butter browned ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days!
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar is used in these bars to add extra moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor. It helps make the bars soft and gives them a deeper sweetness that pairs perfectly with the bananas and browned butter. If you don’t have brown sugar (or have enough of it), you can use granulated sugar or mix it with brown sugar. If you use all granulated sugar, the bars will be a bit lighter, but mixing both gives them a richer flavor and keeps them moist.
- Bananas: Ripe bananas are used in these bars to add natural sweetness and moisture, so look for your ripest ones! The riper the banana, the sweeter and softer it is, which helps make the bars soft and full of banana flavor.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: In the buttercream, I used confectioners’ sugar (also called powdered sugar). It dissolved easily, making the frosting smooth and creamy! Granulated sugar can make the buttercream grainy, so it is not the best choice.
- Caramel Sauce: Skip the store-bought caramel and make your own caramel sauce to use in the salted caramel buttercream!
Why Is My Browned Butter Burning and How To Fix It
If your browned butter is burning, it might be because the heat is too high (makes sense, I know, but it can be tricky). Lower the heat to medium or medium-low and stir the butter continuously. Using the right pan can also help. A light-bottomed pan or stainless steel skillet works best because it helps you see the butter’s color as it browns. Avoid dark pans, as they heat up too quickly and can cause the butter to burn faster.
Can I Add Nuts Or Chocolate To These Banana Bars?
Yes, you can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even chocolate chips to your Browned Butter Banana Bars! Just fold about ½ cup into the batter after mixing in the bananas. Don’t overmix, and enjoy the extra flavor!
How To Store Browned Butter Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Buttercream
To store the brown butter banana bars, first, let them cool completely (which they should be before frosting them). Then, if you are going to eat them within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last up to 2-3 days. You can refrigerate the bars for a few more days, but that can dry out the bars faster (so wrap them tightly).
Can You Freeze Browned Butter Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Buttercream?
Yes! For longer storage, freeze the bars! (I recommend freezing them without the frosting.) Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to frost and eat, thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Browned Butter Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Buttercream
Ingredients
Banana Bars
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (400 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (some chunks are okay, about ⅔ cup)
Salted Caramel Buttercream
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups (250 g) confectioners' sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup (82 g) caramel sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons whole milk, as needed
Instructions
- In a stainless steel skillet or a light-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter, swirling the pan occasionally. Once the butter begins to foam and brown specks form at the bottom, stir continuously to prevent burning. When the butter turns a deep golden brown and smells nutty, immediately remove it from the heat and pour it into a large heat-safe bowl. Let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before proceeding.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the cooled browned butter and brown sugar until well combined and smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until fully combined.
- Add the flour and salt, mixing on low until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting with the buttercream..
Salted Caramel Buttercream
- To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the butter, confectioners' sugar, salt, and caramel topping. Mix on low speed until the sugar is fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Increase the speed to high and beat until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add milk, ½ teaspoon at a time, until the buttercream reaches your desired consistency.
- After the banana bars have cooled completely, spread the buttercream evenly over the top.
- Cut and serve.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
These bars have such a great texture! And, the salted buttercream frosting puts them over the top when it comes to deliciousness!
Elizabeth
I love banana bread, so I knew I would love these bars! They are so good, and the browned butter gives them a deeper flavor.
Bella
The banana flavor is perfect in these soft, moist bars. And, I will take any extra frosting! Yum!
Annabelle
If you love banana bread, give these bars a shot. Browning the butter is worth it, for sure!
Stephanie
These bars are addictive, soft, and rich. I love them!
