Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and moist, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Loaded with ripe bananas and topped with homemade salted caramel buttercream, these bars are an indulgence you won’t want to miss. Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or simply a cozy night in, these dessert bars will impress everyone with their rich flavor and unique texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and salted caramel creates a taste sensation that is hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
- Versatile Dessert: Great for parties, after-school snacks, or even as a sweet breakfast treat.
- Moist Texture: These bars are incredibly moist thanks to the bananas and butter, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
- Customizable Frosting: While the salted caramel buttercream is amazing, feel free to experiment with other frostings or toppings!
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience seamless, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Ooey Gooey Banana Bars.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Rubber spatula
- Baking pan (9×13 inches)
- Hand mixer or whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: A variety of sizes helps you combine ingredients without making a mess.
- Baking pan: Using the correct size ensures even cooking and proper bar thickness.
- Hand mixer or whisk: Essential for achieving a smooth batter and fluffy frosting.
Ingredients
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are sweet and moist dessert bars that are loaded with bananas and frosted with homemade salted caramel buttercream.
For the Bars
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, (melted)
- 2 cups (400 g) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, (room temperature)
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 ripe bananas, (mashed; some chunks are okay; about ⅔ cup)
For the Frosting
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, (room temperature)
- 2 cups (250 g) confectioners’ sugar, (sifted)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup (82 g) caramel topping
- 1 ½ teaspoons whole milk, (as needed)
How to Make Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar. Stir until well blended. Add in vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 5: Add Bananas
Gently fold in the mashed bananas into the batter. Ensure they are evenly distributed but avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool before frosting.
Step 7: Make Frosting
While cooling, beat together room temperature butter, sifted confectioners’ sugar, kosher salt, caramel topping, and milk until creamy. Adjust milk as needed for desired consistency.
Step 8: Frost the Bars
Once cooled completely, spread your homemade salted caramel frosting evenly over the top of the banana bars. Slice into squares and enjoy!
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways, enhancing their flavor and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy these delicious dessert bars.
With Whipped Cream
- Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the dense bars.
With Fresh Fruit
- Top the bars with slices of fresh bananas or berries for added freshness and color.
A La Mode
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a rich and comforting dessert experience.
Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce
- Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent touch that complements the banana flavor.
Pair with Coffee
- Enjoy alongside a cup of coffee or espresso for a delightful afternoon snack.
Sprinkle with Nuts
- Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, add crunch and enhance the texture of the bars.
How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
To achieve the ultimate Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, follow these helpful tips that ensure each bite is as delicious as possible.
- Use overripe bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
- Don’t overmix – Gently mix your ingredients until just combined to keep the bars light and moist.
- Check for doneness – Use a toothpick to test; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool completely before frosting – Allowing the bars to cool ensures the frosting doesn’t melt off when applied.
- Store properly – Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
While these dessert bars are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that provides a creamy balance to the sweetness of the bars.
- Chocolate Mousse – Rich and airy, this chocolate treat offers a luxurious contrast.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can lighten up your dessert spread.
- Coffee Cake – Perfect for brunch, coffee cake’s crumbly texture pairs well with these moist bars.
- Caramel Sauce – Serve alongside for drizzling; it enhances the caramel notes already in the bars.
- Nutty Granola – Adds crunch and is great if you want something less sweet but still satisfying.
- Cheesecake Bites – Small bites of cheesecake complement the soft texture of banana bars nicely.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a healthy side option that contrasts beautifully with richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Ingredients: Forgetting to measure ingredients correctly can lead to a failed recipe. Always use a scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
- Overmixing Batter: Mixing the batter too much can result in tough bars. Mix just until combined for soft and moist bars.
- Skipping Ripeness: Using unripe bananas will not provide enough sweetness. Always use ripe, spotty bananas for the best flavor.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Not preheating your oven can affect baking time and texture. Make sure to preheat your oven fully before baking.
- Frosting Too Soon: Adding frosting while the bars are still hot can melt it. Let the bars cool completely before frosting for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Freeze in individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the bars for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place a bar in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Just thaw them completely before mashing and using them in your recipe.
How do I know when my banana bars are done?
The bars should be golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have salted caramel topping?
You can substitute it with regular caramel sauce and add a pinch of sea salt to taste.
Final Thoughts
These Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different toppings or mix-ins based on your preferences. The combination of moist banana goodness and sweet frosting is sure to please everyone. Give this recipe a try and enjoy!
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, a scrumptious dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a luscious homemade salted caramel buttercream frosting. These bars are incredibly moist, thanks to the generous amount of bananas and butter, making them perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to something sweet at home. With their rich flavor and delightful texture, these bars will leave you craving more. Easy to make and highly customizable, they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- For the Frosting: ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup caramel topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and eggs; mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour and salt; gradually add to wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in mashed bananas and pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat room temperature butter with sifted confectioners' sugar, salt, caramel topping, and milk until creamy.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
