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Banana Chocolate Chip Bars with Browned Butter Frosting Recipe

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4.3 from 14 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 20 servings

Description

These Banana Chocolate Chip Bars are moist, flavorful, and packed with overripe bananas and mini chocolate chips. Topped with a luscious brandied brown butter frosting and sprinkled with extra chocolate chips, they make a perfect treat for any occasion. The bars combine warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with the natural sweetness of bananas, creating a delightful, richly textured dessert that stays soft and delicious even after baking.

Ingredients

Bars:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
  • 1½ tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
  • 3 overripe bananas (mashed, approximately 1 cup)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Frosting:

  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 1 Tbsp. milk (plus more if needed)
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (for garnishing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick baking spray and set it aside to prepare the batter.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer fitted with a wire whip attachment, beat the softened butter alone for 30 seconds. Then add both granulated and dark brown sugars, mixing until the mixture is fully combined and creamy.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Add baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the bowl. Beat well to incorporate all dry ingredients uniformly, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally for even mixing.
  4. Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, mashed bananas, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully blended into the mixture, creating a smooth wet batter base.
  5. Fold in Flour and Chocolate Chips: Turn off the mixer and carefully fold in the all-purpose flour and 1 cup of mini chocolate chips using a spatula, taking care not to overmix, to preserve the softness of the batter.
  6. Pour into Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs attached. The tops should look golden but not overbaked. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely before frosting.
  7. Make Brown Butter: In a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/3 cup of butter, stirring constantly. Lower the heat to low and continue stirring as the butter foams and simmers. Watch carefully as it turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma. Remove from heat promptly to avoid burning.
  8. Prepare Frosting: Transfer the browned butter to a medium-sized heatproof bowl to halt cooking. Whisk in the sifted powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk if needed for easy spreading.
  9. Frost the Bars: Spread the brown butter frosting evenly over the completely cooled banana bars in the pan.
  10. Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup of mini chocolate chips evenly over the frosting, lightly pressing them into the surface so they stick well.
  11. Serve and Enjoy: Cut the bars into 20 servings and enjoy! These bars are particularly delicious when served chilled, offering a unique texture and flavor experience.

Notes

  • Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and moisture.
  • A toothpick test is key: it’s okay if a few moist crumbs stick, but avoid underbaking or overbaking.
  • Watch the brown butter closely; it can quickly move from browned to burnt.
  • Frost only when bars are completely cooled to prevent frosting melting.
  • Chilling the bars after frosting enhances flavor and texture.
  • Use a light-colored pan for browning butter to better monitor color changes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 23 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/banana-chocolate-chip-bars-with-browned-butter-frosting-recipe/