Roasted Banana Bars with Browned Butter–Pecan Frosting

Winner in the category: Desserts. "I've been baking banana bars with my mom since I was old enough to stir dough, so I was glad when I was able to lighten them for my family and keep the original flavor. I browned the butter in a saucepan to make it thicker, and so there was no need for full-fat cream cheese. This is a great way to use ripe bananas with speckles." - Lindsay Weiss, Overland Park, KS
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.To make the bars, combine the banana, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of butter in an 8-inch square baking dish. Bake at 400 ° C for 35 minutes, stirring after 17 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees.Spoon the cake flour into dry measuring cups; flatten with a knife. Combine 9 ounces (about 2 1/4 cups) of flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Combine the banana mixture, buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla in another medium bowl. Put 1/2 cup butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl; beat with a mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add the eggs to the granulated sugar mixture; mix well. Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture, alternating with the banana mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture.Pour the batter into a 13-inch x 9-inch baking dish greased with baking spray. Bake at 375 ° C for 20 minutes or until a wooden stick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool completely in a griddle 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.