Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. These delightful dessert bars are incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to the ripe bananas that bring a natural sweetness. Topped with a luscious homemade salted caramel buttercream, they offer a unique combination of textures and tastes that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging yourself, these banana bars are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these delicious bars ready in no time.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and salted caramel creates an irresistible flavor explosion.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares, these bars are easy to share at gatherings or enjoy as a treat throughout the week.
- Versatile Dessert: Serve them warm or chilled; they’re delightful either way!
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the sweet taste and fun texture.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes all the difference when baking Ooey Gooey Banana Bars. Gather your equipment before starting for a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients easily without making a mess.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together for perfectly blended batter.
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: Prepare Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter and brown sugar. Beat together using an electric mixer until well combined. Add in vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
Step 4: Add Bananas
Gently fold in the mashed bananas. It’s okay if some chunks remain; they add texture!
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
In a separate bowl, beat room temperature unsalted butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar and kosher salt. Mix in caramel topping for flavor, adjusting consistency with whole milk as needed.
Step 7: Frost Your Bars
Once cooled, spread the salted caramel buttercream evenly over your banana bars. Slice into squares and serve!
Enjoy every bite of your delicious Ooey Gooey Banana Bars!
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual gathering or a special celebration. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness.
- Caramel Ice Cream – Enhance the caramel flavor in the bars for a rich, indulgent treat.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel
- Caramel Sauce – A warm drizzle of caramel on top makes these bars even more decadent.
- Salted Caramel – Add a touch of salt to enhance the flavors and create a delicious contrast.
Topped with Fresh Fruits
- Sliced Strawberries – Fresh strawberries add a burst of color and tartness.
- Chopped Nuts – Walnuts or pecans provide crunch and complement the banana flavor beautifully.
Accompanied by Coffee or Tea
- Brewed Coffee – A strong cup of coffee pairs well with the sweet bars for a perfect afternoon snack.
- Herbal Tea – Choose chamomile or mint tea for a soothing complement to your dessert.
How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
To achieve the best results with your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Ripe Bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
- Measure Flour Accurately – Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense bars. Too much flour can ruin the texture.
- Don’t Overmix – Mix ingredients just until combined to keep bars soft and moist. Overmixing can lead to dryness.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting – Allow bars to cool fully before adding frosting; this prevents melting and ensures neat slices.
- Store Properly – Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Complement your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars with these delicious side dishes that enhance their flavors.
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a refreshing contrast.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies – Serve alongside for a classic dessert combo that everyone loves.
- Cheese Platter – Pair with mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an unexpected twist.
- Nutty Granola – Crunchy granola provides texture and is great as an optional topping.
- Whipped Cream – A dollop adds lightness and richness, perfect for those who love creamy desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common pitfalls to avoid.
- Using Overripe Bananas: While ripe bananas add flavor, overly brown ones can make your bars mushy. Use bananas that are ripe but not too far gone.
- Skipping the Sifting: Not sifting the confectioners’ sugar can lead to a lumpy frosting. Always sift before measuring to ensure smoothness.
- Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold eggs or butter can affect the batter’s texture. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unheated oven can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven before placing your bars inside.
- Cutting Too Soon: Allowing the bars to cool completely is key for clean cuts. Patience will give you perfect squares without crumbling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
- Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 10 minutes until soft.
- Microwave: Heat individual servings for 10-15 seconds until warm; check frequently.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars.
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 or with just a few crumbs attached.
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well. Ensure they are well-drained of excess moisture before using them in the batter.
What is the best way to frost my banana bars?
Using a spatula or knife dipped in warm water helps spread the salted caramel buttercream smoothly on top of the cooled bars.
Can I customize my Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even spices like cinnamon to enhance flavor according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
These Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Their moist texture and sweet flavor make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with toppings or mix-ins, ensuring each batch is uniquely yours!
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 perfect dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a luscious salted caramel buttercream frosting. These bars are incredibly moist and bursting with flavor, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion—from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Their soft texture and rich taste will satisfy your sweet cravings, while the easy preparation ensures that you can whip them up in no time. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, these banana bars are sure to impress family and friends alike.
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
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until combined. Add vanilla and eggs; mix smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk flour and salt together. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in mashed bananas; pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cooling completely before frosting.
- For frosting, beat room temperature butter until creamy; gradually add confectioners' sugar and salt. Mix in caramel topping and adjust consistency with milk as needed.
- Frost cooled bars, slice into squares, and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (80g)
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
