BANANA BARS

 

Contributed by Helen Cox

I just had this at a cousin's get together-it was fabulous. Thought it could go in the cookbook.

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1 cup mashed bananas (3 medium bananas)
• 1/2 cup dairy sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• 3/4 cup chocolate-covered toffee pieces
• 3/4 toasted chopped almonds (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease a 13x9 baking pan; set aside. 

In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of the bowl. 

Beat the egg, mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla until combined. Beat or stir in the flour. Stir in toffee pieces and, if desired, almonds.

Pour batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly. Bake in 350° oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely in pan. Spread the frosting and let it dry. Cut into squares.

Browned butter frosting:

• 1/3 cup butter
• 2 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar
• 1 TBLS milk
• 1 tsp vanilla

In a small saucepan heat 1/3 cup butter over low heat until melted. Continue heating until butter turns light brown; remove from heat. 

Pour butter into a medium mixing bowl. Add 2 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and 1 tsp vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined. Beat on medium to high speed, adding enough milk to make frosting of spreading consistency. 

Use immediately or cover it and store at room temperature.