Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are the perfect indulgence for any occasion! These sweet and moist dessert bars are packed with the rich flavor of ripe bananas and topped with a creamy homemade salted caramel buttercream. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a bake sale, or simply craving something delicious, these banana bars will satisfy your sweet tooth. Their unique combination of flavors and textures makes them a standout treat that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of bananas and caramel creates a delightful taste that is hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these bars ready in under an hour.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares and share with friends or family at gatherings.
- Versatile Treat: Great as dessert or a sweet snack, fitting various occasions from casual to festive.
- Decadent Topping: The salted caramel buttercream adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Tools and Preparation
To make Ooey Gooey Banana Bars successfully, having the right tools on hand can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking pan (9×13 inches)
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining ingredients without mess.
- Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a smooth batter quickly, making mixing effortless.
- Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking, helping your bars cook perfectly every time.
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). This ensures your bars bake evenly from the start.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pan
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Melted unsalted butter
2. Brown sugar
3. Vanilla extract
4. Eggs
Use an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Kosher salt
Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are fine!
Step 5: Fold in Bananas
Gently fold in the mashed ripe bananas, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
While the bars cool, beat together:
1. Room temperature unsalted butter
2. Confectioners’ sugar
3. Kosher salt
4. Caramel topping
5. Whole milk
Mix until creamy and smooth.
Step 8: Frost Your Bars
Once cooled, spread the frosting generously over the top of your baked bars.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Cut into squares and serve these delightful Ooey Gooey Banana Bars at room temperature for best flavor!
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
These delicious Ooey Gooey Banana Bars can be served in a variety of ways to delight your guests or family. Each serving suggestion adds a unique touch, enhancing the flavors and textures of this sweet treat.
With Whipped Cream
- Top your banana bars with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a light and airy contrast.
A Scoop of Ice Cream
- Pair the bars with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream to elevate the dessert experience.
Fresh Fruit Topping
- Add sliced strawberries or blueberries on top for added freshness and a pop of color.
Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce can enhance the richness and provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
Nuts for Crunch
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for extra crunch and flavor that complements the bananas beautifully.
Coffee Pairing
- Serve alongside a cup of coffee or espresso for an energizing combo that balances the sweetness of the bars.
How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, keep these tips in mind:
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Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour. This helps keep the bars moist rather than dense.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation and texture.
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Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
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Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the bars cool completely before adding frosting to prevent it from melting.
Best Side Dishes for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
While Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some great options:
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Greek Yogurt: Creamy Greek yogurt provides a tangy balance to the sweetness of banana bars.
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Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy option adds texture and is great as a light side dish next to rich desserts.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate and add variety to your dessert table.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers savory notes that contrast nicely with sweet flavors.
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Nut Butter Dip: Serve some almond or peanut butter on the side for dipping; it’s both nutritious and delicious!
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Oatmeal Cookies: Complement your banana bars with chewy oatmeal cookies for an old-fashioned treat combo.
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Caramel Popcorn: Sweet, crunchy caramel popcorn adds fun texture and flavor, making it perfect for snacking alongside desserts.
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Tea Selection: Offer an assortment of herbal teas that can pair beautifully with sweets, enhancing their enjoyment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
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Using Overripe Bananas: While ripe bananas are essential, using bananas that are too mushy can lead to a dense texture. Aim for bananas that are ripe but still firm.
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Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, and improper measurements can affect your bars. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
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Skipping the Salt in the Frosting: Forgetting to add salt can result in overly sweet frosting. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness beautifully, enhancing flavors.
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Underbaking or Overbaking: Timing is crucial. Underbaking may leave your bars gooey and not fully cooked, while overbaking can dry them out. Check for doneness with a toothpick at the center.
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Not Letting Them Cool Before Cutting: Cutting warm bars can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely for clean slices and better texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.
Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm bars for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on high for 15-20 seconds for a warm treat.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for several minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Ooey Gooey Banana Bars:
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes! Thawed frozen bananas work well as they become soft and easy to mash. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid.
How do I know when my banana bars are done baking?
Check by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
What can I substitute for butter in the frosting?
You can use cream cheese or vegan butter if you prefer a different flavor or need dairy-free options.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor in your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars.
Final Thoughts
These Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are not just delicious; they’re also versatile! You can customize them with various toppings like nuts or chocolate chips according to your taste. Their moist texture combined with salted caramel buttercream makes them irresistible. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your delicious creations!
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are an irresistible dessert that perfectly combines the flavor of ripe bananas with a luscious salted caramel buttercream frosting. These moist, sweet bars are ideal for any occasion—be it a birthday celebration or simply a delightful snack to satisfy your sweet tooth. With just a few simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, you can whip up these delicious banana bars in no time. Their rich texture and decadent taste make them a standout treat that everyone will adore.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- For Frosting: ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup caramel topping
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- 2. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs using an electric mixer until well blended.
- 3. Gradually mix in flour and salt until just combined; fold in mashed bananas.
- 4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- 5. While cooling, prepare the frosting by beating together room temperature butter, confectioners' sugar, salt, caramel topping, and milk until smooth.
- 6. Once cooled, spread the frosting over the bars and cut into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 66g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
