Deliciously Moist Banana Monkey Bars with Browned Butter Glaze
These scrumptious Banana Monkey Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness and moisture, thanks to the combination of ripe bananas and creamy sour cream. This recipe is inspired by a fabulous find from CaramelPotatoes.com and is a fantastic way to repurpose overripe bananas. With a fluffy, cake-like texture, these bars are enhanced by a rich, nutty browned butter frosting that adds an extra layer of flavor. Ideal for sharing, these bars can be enjoyed at parties, potlucks, or as a simple snack for any time of the day. Plus, they're easy to whip up—just freeze your ripe bananas until you're ready to bake! Discover the joy of indulgence with this homemade treat you won't want to miss!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1 1/2 cups (granulated)
sour cream
1 cup (room temperature)
butter
1/2 cup (softened for batter; additional 1/2 cup for frosting)
eggs
2 (large, room temperature)
bananas
1 3/4 cups (mashed (approximately 3-4 overripe bananas))
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (pure or imitation)
flour
2 cups (all-purpose)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (baking agent)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (table salt)
walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped (optional))
powdered sugar
2 cups (for frosting)
milk
3 tablespoons (for frosting)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 10x15 inch jelly roll pan to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and softened butter until the mixture becomes creamy and light.
3
Add the sour cream and eggs to the bowl, mixing until well combined.
4
Blend in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
5
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, blending everything on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6
If you're opting for walnuts, fold them in at this stage for an added crunch.
7
Spread the batter evenly into the greased jelly roll pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the center springs back when touched.
8
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan while you prepare the frosting.
9
For the browned butter frosting, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, allowing it to boil until it turns a light brown color and develops a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes.
10
Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
11
Working quickly, spread the warm frosting over the cooled banana bars using a spatula. The frosting will set quickly, so ensure an even layer while it's still pliable.
12
Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious Banana Monkey Bars!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Deliciously Moist Banana Monkey Bars?
They are a soft, cake-like dessert bar made with mashed bananas and topped with a rich browned butter glaze.
What size pan is needed for this recipe?
You should use a 10x15 inch jelly roll pan for these bars.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How many bananas are required?
You will need approximately 1 3/4 cups of mashed bananas, which is about 3 to 4 overripe bananas.
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze your ripe bananas until you are ready to bake this recipe.
What role does sour cream play in these bars?
Sour cream helps ensure the bars are incredibly moist and adds a slight tanginess to balance the sweetness.
How long do the banana bars need to bake?
They typically bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
The edges should be lightly browned and the center should spring back when touched.
What is browned butter frosting?
It is a frosting made by boiling butter until it turns a light brown color with a nutty aroma, then mixing it with powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.
How long does it take to brown the butter?
It usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes of boiling over medium heat.
Should the bars be warm when I frost them?
No, you should allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before applying the frosting.
Why must I work quickly when spreading the frosting?
The browned butter frosting sets very quickly as it cools, so it needs to be spread while it is still warm and pliable.
Are walnuts mandatory in this recipe?
No, chopped walnuts are optional and can be folded in for added crunch if desired.
How do I prepare the pan to prevent sticking?
You should grease and flour the 10x15 inch jelly roll pan before pouring in the batter.
What kind of flour should I use?
This recipe calls for 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
What type of sugar is used in the batter?
The batter uses 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar.
Is vanilla extract necessary?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract are used to enhance the flavor of both the bars and the frosting.
Can I use imitation vanilla?
Yes, you can use either pure or imitation vanilla extract.
What ingredients are needed for the frosting?
The frosting requires butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.
How much powdered sugar is in the glaze?
The glaze requires 2 cups of powdered sugar.
What is the texture of these bars?
They have a fluffy, cake-like texture that is very moist.
How should I mix the dry and wet ingredients?
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and blend on low speed until just combined to avoid overmixing.
How many eggs are in this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 large, room temperature eggs.
What baking agents are used?
One teaspoon of baking soda is used as the leavening agent.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe was inspired by a find from CaramelPotatoes.com.
Are these bars suitable for parties?
Yes, they are ideal for sharing at parties, potlucks, or as a simple snack.
How much milk is used in the frosting?
The frosting uses 3 tablespoons of milk.
What color should the butter be for the frosting?
The butter should be a light brown color.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies softened butter but typically you can use salted or unsalted depending on preference; if using salted, you may want to adjust the added salt.
How should the bars be served?
Once the frosting is set, slice them into squares and serve.