Get ready to transform ordinary bananas into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your taste buds dancing with delight! These Banana Bars with Butter Rum Frosting are not just another dessert - they're a magical fusion of moist, banana-packed goodness and a luxurious rum-infused frosting that promises to elevate your baking game. Whether you're looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a moment of pure indulgence, this recipe is your ticket to dessert heaven.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup rum (for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the banana bars.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Ensure there are no large chunks remaining.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour in the milk and the mashed bananas, and gently fold them into the batter until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the banana bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the butter rum frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually mix in the rum, adjusting the amount to achieve your desired consistency. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out.
- Once the banana bars are completely cooled, spread the butter rum frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
- Cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious banana bars with butter rum frosting!
Tips
- Choose Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the bars tender and fluffy.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bars are perfectly baked.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the rum frosting from melting.
- Frosting Consistency: Add rum or milk gradually to achieve the perfect spreadable consistency for your frosting.
- Storage Tip: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg
