Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are a delightful treat that brings together the sweetness of ripe bananas and the richness of buttery frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. With a moist texture and a homemade salted caramel buttercream on top, they stand out in any dessert spread. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a cozy dessert at home, you can’t go wrong with these delicious bars.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and salted caramel creates a decadent taste that is hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, birthday party, or a quiet night in, these bars fit right in.
- Moist and Chewy: The texture is perfectly moist with just the right amount of chewiness, ensuring every bite is enjoyable.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining your wet and dry ingredients without mess.
- Electric mixer: Makes whipping butter and sugar effortless, giving you a smooth 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). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly cooked.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make it easier to lift out the bars once baked.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until well combined.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Beat in the room temperature eggs one at a time until fully incorporated into the mixture.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in Bananas
Gently fold in mashed bananas. It’s okay if there are some small chunks; they add texture to your bars.
Step 7: 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 golden brown and set in the center.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
While the bars are cooling, beat together room temperature butter, confectioners’ sugar, kosher salt, caramel topping, and milk until smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Frost Your Bars
Once cooled completely, frost your banana bars generously with the salted caramel buttercream. Cut into squares and enjoy!
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Serving Ooey Gooey Banana Bars can elevate any gathering or family dinner. These bars are not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy these delightful treats.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances sweetness.
- Caramel Swirl Ice Cream – Enhances the caramel flavor in the bars for a decadent touch.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel
- Homemade Caramel Sauce – Warm up some homemade caramel for an indulgent drizzle over the bars.
- Store-Bought Caramel Topping – Quick and easy; this option saves time while still adding sweetness.
Topped with Fresh Fruits
- Sliced Strawberries – Fresh strawberries add a tart contrast to the sweetness of the bars.
- Raspberries – Their slight tartness complements the flavors beautifully.
Garnished with Nuts
- Chopped Walnuts – Sprinkle these on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Pecans – Toasted pecans add a rich nuttiness that pairs well with bananas.
Served Alongside Coffee or Tea
- Brewed Coffee – The bitterness of coffee pairs perfectly with the sweet bars.
- Herbal Tea – A soothing option that balances the richness of the dessert.
How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
To ensure your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars turn out just right, follow these simple tips for success.
- Use ripe bananas – The riper your bananas are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
- Don’t overmix – Mix until just combined to keep your bars tender and moist.
- Check for doneness – Use a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool completely before frosting – This prevents the frosting from melting into the warm bars, keeping your presentation intact.
- Store properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain moisture.
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 tasty options to consider:
- Whipped Cream – Light and airy, this adds a creamy element that complements the banana flavors.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance out the sweetness of the bars.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies – A classic treat that works well alongside these banana-infused delights.
- Mini Cheesecakes – Their rich creaminess makes a great contrast to the soft texture of banana bars.
- Nutty Granola – This adds crunch and can be served as an additional topping or side snack.
- Yogurt Parfaits – Layered yogurt with fruits and granola creates a delightful combination that pairs nicely with banana bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can help make your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars a success. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using Overripe Bananas: While you want ripe bananas for flavor, using overly brown or rotten bananas can affect the taste and texture. Choose bananas that are ripe but not overly mushy.
- Neglecting to Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so improper measurements can ruin your bars. Always use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Skipping the Salt in Frosting: Salt enhances sweetness, so forgetting it might lead to a bland frosting. Add the specified salt to balance flavors.
- Underbaking or Overbaking: Both can lead to undesirable textures. Ensure you check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean but moist.
- Not Letting the Bars Cool Completely: Cutting into warm bars can lead to messy results. Allow them to cool in the pan before slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container; they will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat bars for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds until warm, but be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Cover with a lid on low heat for a few minutes, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions related to Ooey Gooey Banana Bars that many people ask:
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well. Just ensure they are well-mashed before adding them to the batter.
How do I know when my banana bars are done baking?
Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean but slightly moist from the banana mixture.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even spices like cinnamon for added flavor.
What is the best way to store leftover banana bars?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts
These Ooey Gooey Banana Bars offer a delightful blend of sweetness and texture that makes them perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows you to add your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Whether enjoyed as is or dressed up with extra frosting, these bars promise satisfaction every time you take a bite!
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, a perfect blend of sweet, ripe bananas and rich salted caramel buttercream frosting. These bars offer a moist and chewy texture that will satisfy your dessert cravings. Ideal for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights at home, these easy-to-make treats are not only delicious but also customizable. Add your favorite nuts or chocolate chips for an extra flavor boost! With their rich taste and inviting aroma, these banana bars are sure to become a beloved favorite in your dessert repertoire.
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 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 line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until combined.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
- In another bowl, whisk flour and salt; gradually add to wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in mashed bananas gently.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for about 45 minutes until golden brown.
- While cooling, prepare the frosting by mixing room temperature butter with confectioners' sugar, salt, caramel topping, and milk until smooth.
- Frost cooled bars generously before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
