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Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting

These Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting are a decadent treat made from ripe bananas, soft cake, and a rich salted caramel frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the banana bars
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed Use overripe bananas for best flavor
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
For the frosting
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • cup heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the mashed bananas, sugar, and butter until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the frosting
  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and bring it to a boil, continuing to stir for 2 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and add the heavy cream and salt, stirring until smooth.
  3. Once the bars are completely cool, beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Spread generously over the cooled banana bars, and sprinkle with extra sea salt if desired.

Notes

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate leftovers for up to a week or freeze without frosting for up to three months.