Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are the ultimate treat for banana lovers! These luscious bars are not only sweet and moist but also packed with ripe bananas and topped with a rich homemade salted caramel buttercream. Perfect for gatherings, family desserts, or just a cozy night in, these bars are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Their unique blend of flavors and textures makes them a standout dessert that you won’t want to miss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Moist: The combination of ripe bananas and melted butter ensures every bite is soft and scrumptious.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick prep time, even novice bakers can whip up these delightful bars.
- Versatile Treat: They can be served at parties, potlucks, or as a comforting dessert at home.
- Irresistible Frosting: The homemade salted caramel buttercream adds an extra layer of flavor that elevates the whole dessert.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will adore these sweet banana bars!
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes baking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Electric mixer
- Baking pan (9×13 inches)
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when beating butter and sugar together for a creamy texture.
- Baking pan: A quality 9×13 inch pan ensures even baking for your banana bars.
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 step ensures your bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed. Add in the eggs one at a time, continuing to mix until combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined.
Step 5: Add Bananas
Gently fold in the mashed bananas. It’s okay if there are some chunks; they add great texture!
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare Frosting
While cooling, beat together room temperature butter, sifted confectioners’ sugar, kosher salt, caramel topping, and milk until smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Once cooled completely, spread the salted caramel buttercream over the top of your banana bars. Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious Ooey Gooey Banana Bars!
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Serving Ooey Gooey Banana Bars is a delightful experience, as these bars can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them warm with a scoop of ice cream or as a simple snack, there’s something for everyone.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Pair your bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of warm and cold.
Garnished with Nuts
- Top your bars with chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and texture.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a rich flavor.
Served at Room Temperature
- Enjoy them on their own at room temperature for a perfect afternoon treat.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside sliced strawberries or bananas to complement the bar’s flavors.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Include them in a dessert platter featuring cookies and brownies for variety at gatherings.
How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Creating the perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out just right.
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Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the bars moist and tender.
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Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean but not dry.
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Let Them Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Best Side Dishes for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Pairing side dishes with your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a delightful touch to your banana bars.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel on top creates an extra layer of sweetness that complements the bananas well.
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Coffee: A warm cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the bars nicely, making it an ideal pairing.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a burst of freshness alongside the richness of the bars.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit for a healthy contrast that complements the bars’ flavors.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: For cookie lovers, serving these alongside classic chocolate chip cookies makes for an indulgent treat.
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Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer creamy goodness that pairs perfectly with the moist texture of banana bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Not Using Ripe Bananas: The best flavor comes from ripe bananas. Ensure your bananas are well-spotted and soft for maximum sweetness.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense bars. Stir until just combined for a lighter texture.
- Skipping the Salt: Salt enhances sweetness and balances flavors. Don’t omit it; a little goes a long way.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly. An inaccurate temperature can result in uneven baking.
- Not Allowing Bars to Cool Completely: Cutting too soon will lead to messy bars. Let them cool fully before slicing for clean edges.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep bars separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Freeze in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each bar for 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars:
Can I use frozen bananas for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well! Just ensure they are mashed properly.
What if my bars are too gooey?
If your bars are undercooked, bake them a bit longer until set. Every oven varies!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding walnuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
How do I make salted caramel buttercream?
Mix room temperature butter with confectioners’ sugar, caramel topping, and salt until creamy and smooth.
Final Thoughts
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with nuts or chocolate chips to suit your taste. This recipe is perfect for sharing or enjoying as a cozy treat at home. Give it a try and savor every delightful bite!
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, a perfect treat for banana enthusiasts! These luscious bars are incredibly moist and sweet, featuring ripe bananas baked to perfection and topped with an irresistible homemade salted caramel buttercream.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time until well mixed.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the frosting, beat together room temperature butter, sifted confectioners' sugar, salt, caramel topping, and milk until smooth.
- Once cooled completely, frost your bars and slice them into squares before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
