Shelly's Recipe

BANANA FOSTERS BARS

Category: Bars

Bars:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1 tbsp dark rum or 1 tsp rum extract
1 cup flour
1/8 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup bananas, diced
1/2 cup (2 ounces) pecans or walnuts, chopped

Frosting:
2 tbsp unsalted butter at room temperature
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tsp rum or pure vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1 to 2 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
Pecan halves for garnish

Make the Bars: Preheat oven to 350. Lightly butter and flour 9-inch square pan (see Note).

In large bowl, beat together butter and sugar with electric mixer until creamy. Add egg and rum. Mix to combine.

In small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture. Mix in bananas and pecans, then stir to incorporate.

Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting: In large bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, sugar, and extract with an electric mixer. Beat until light and fluffy. Add cinnamon and 1 cup confectioners sugar; blend until smooth (careful; over mixing will cause separation). Add additional confectioners sugar to create desired consistency.

Spread frosting immediately over cooled bar cookies. Cover and store bars in refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, cut bars into 2-inch squares. If desired, top each square with a pecan half.

Yield: 16 (2-inch) bars

Note: For a thicker bar, use an 8-inch square pan.