Bars: Banana Bars with Peanut Butter Frosting

By NicoleS

Ingredients

• Cake:
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened or even melted and cooled (option to brown butter first)
• 1/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 - 1 cup mashed, ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Peanut Butter Frosting:
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)
• 1/6 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Details

Adapted from mybricole.com

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9X13-inch pan (use smaller pan if you want thicker bars) with cooking spray and set aside.

For the bars, in a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown and granulated sugars, sour cream, egg, and vanilla until well-mixed, 1-2 minutes.

Blend in the bananas and mix.

Stir in the flour, baking soda and salt and mix for just a minute or two until combined.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top springs back to the touch.

While the bars are baking, make the frosting.

Let the bars cool and then spread the frosting over the bars in an even layer.

Cut into squares and serve. These keep well-covered for 1-2 days at room temp or refrigerated.

For the peanut butter frosting:
Melt the butter and peanut butter in a bowl in the microwave and mix until smooth. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the milk, and powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla, and slowly incorporate the peanut butter mixture, blending well after each addition.