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Banana Bread Bars with Vanilla Bean Browned Butter Glaze

These Banana Bread Bars are a delightful treat! Moist, flavorful, and topped with a luscious vanilla bean glaze, they are perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 cup liquid-state coconut oil (canola or vegetable may be substituted)
  • 1 cup sour cream (lite is okay; Greek yogurt may be substituted)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large or 3 medium bananas)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pinch salt optional and to taste
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter browned
  • 2 cups confectioners sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or seeds from 1 large vanilla bean; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract may be substituted)
  • 1 pinch salt optional and to taste
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup cream or milk (or as necessary for consistency)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, stirring frequently until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, light brown sugar, liquid-state coconut oil, sour cream, vanilla extract, and mashed ripe bananas until smooth.
  • In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and optional salt. Stir to mix.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  • While the bars are cooling, make the vanilla bean browned butter glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the browned butter, confectioners sugar, vanilla bean paste, and optional salt. Gradually add cream or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Once the banana bread bars are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set before cutting into squares.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • 9x13 inch Baking Pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack

Notes

  • For a healthier version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
  • Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream adds protein.
  • Freeze leftover bars wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months.