::Roasted Banana Bars with Browned Butter–Pecan Frosting::

::Ingredients::

Bars:

- 2 cups sliced ripe banana, about 3 medium

- 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar

- 1 Tbsp. butter, chilled and cut into small pieces

- 9oz. cake flour, about 2 1/4 cups

- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/4 cup nonfat buttermilk

- 1 tsp. vanilla extract

- 1/2 cup butter, softened

- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

- 2 large eggs

- baking spray with flour

Frosting:

1/4 cup butter

2 cups powdered sugar

1/3 cup, 3oz. cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted

::Directions::

Preheat oven to 400°.
To prepare bars, combine banana, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon butter in an 8-inch square baking dish. Bake at 400F for 35 minutes, stirring after 17 minutes. Cool slightly.
Reduce the oven temperature to 375F.
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 375F 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.