Roasted Banana Bars

Roasted Banana Bars with Browned Butter-Pecan Frosting Cooking Light Jan/Feb 2009

Bars:2 cups sliced ripe banana (about 3 medium)1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar1 tablespoon butter, chilled and cut into small pieces9 ounces cake flour (about 2 1/4 cups)3/4 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/4 cup nonfat buttermilk1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/2 cup butter, softened1 1/4 cups granulated sugar2 large eggsBaking spray with flourFrosting:1/4 cup butter2 cups powdered sugar1/3 cup (3 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Preheat oven to 400°.
To prepare bars, combine banana, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon butter in an 8-inch square baking dish. Bake at 400° for 35 minutes, stirring after 17 minutes. Cool slightly.
Reduce the oven temperature to 375°.
Weigh or lightly spoon cake flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 9 ounces (about 2 1/4 cups) flour, soda, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Combine banana mixture, buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla in another medium bowl. Place 1/2 cup butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended. Add eggs to granulated sugar mixture; mix well. Add flour mixture to sugar mixture alternating with banana mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
Pour batter into a 13 x 9–inch baking pan coated with baking spray. Bake at 375° for 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
To prepare frosting, melt 1/4 cup butter in a small saucepan over medium heat; cook 4 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly. Combine browned butter, powdered sugar, cream cheese, and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer until smooth. Spread frosting over cooled bars. Sprinkle with pecans.
Calories: 221
Fat: 8.4g (sat 4.7g,mono 2.3g,poly 0.6g)
Protein: 2.3g
Carbohydrate: 35.1g
Fiber: 0.6g
Cholesterol: 39mg
Iron: 1mg
Sodium: 117mg
Calcium: 23mg