Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are a delightful treat that everyone will love! These sweet and moist dessert bars are packed with ripe bananas and topped with a luscious homemade salted caramel buttercream. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, these bars offer a unique twist on traditional banana desserts. Their rich flavor and gooey texture make them a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and salted caramel creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, potluck, or just because, these bars fit right in.
- Moist and Chewy Texture: The bananas keep the bars moist while the frosting adds a rich creaminess.
- Great for Sharing: Cut into squares, they are perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to make the baking process smooth. Having everything ready will ensure you enjoy making your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars without any hiccups.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking pan (9×13 inches)
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without making a mess.
- Electric Mixer: Makes it easy to achieve fluffy buttercream frosting.
- Baking Pan: A sturdy pan ensures even baking of your banana bars.
- Spatula: Perfect for spreading frosting evenly over your dessert 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 ensures that your bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the mashed bananas gently.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cooling completely before frosting.
Step 6: Make Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat room temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar and kosher salt while mixing. Drizzle in caramel topping and mix until well combined. If necessary, add milk to reach desired consistency.
Step 7: Frost the Bars
Once the banana bars have cooled completely, spread the salted caramel buttercream evenly over the top using a spatula.
Enjoy your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars as an irresistible dessert that will impress everyone!
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying them on your own, these bars can be served to elevate any occasion.
For a Sweet Breakfast Treat
- Serve warm with a cup of coffee for a sweet start to your day.
- Pair with yogurt for a balanced breakfast option.
As an Afternoon Snack
- Enjoy with a glass of milk for a nostalgic snack.
- Top with whipped cream and berries for added flavor and texture.
For Special Occasions
- Slice into squares and serve on a platter at parties or gatherings.
- Decorate with edible flowers for an elegant presentation.
With Ice Cream
- Serve warm bars topped with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the ice cream for added sweetness.
How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
To ensure your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined for tender, moist bars.
- Test Doneness: Insert a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let Cool Completely: Allow bars to cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
When serving Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, consider these delicious side dishes that complement their rich flavor perfectly.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness.
- Vanilla Yogurt: Creamy yogurt balances the sweetness of the bars.
- Nutella Dip: A chocolatey dip that pairs wonderfully with banana flavors.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage enhances the dessert experience.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it provides a lovely texture contrast.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the best Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, avoid these common pitfalls.
- Using Overripe Bananas: Ripe bananas are perfect for this recipe, but overly ripe bananas can lead to a mushy texture. Aim for bananas that are just ripe with brown spots.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you get the right amounts.
- Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold eggs and butter can affect the texture of your bars. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- Underbaking the Bars: Ooey Gooey Banana Bars should be soft but set. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Rushing the Frosting Process: Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting them. If not, the frosting will melt and create a mess.
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 individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per bar until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Ooey Gooey Banana Bars.
Can I use frozen bananas for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well as long as they are fully mashed before adding them to the batter.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
The edges should be set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars by adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.
Final Thoughts
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars offer a delightful combination of sweetness and moisture that appeals to everyone. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors easily. Whether you choose to add nuts or chocolate chips, these bars make a comforting treat perfect for any occasion. Give them a try!
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, a sweet and moist dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. These bars are packed with ripe bananas and topped with a luscious homemade salted caramel buttercream, creating a heavenly treat that everyone will love. Their gooey texture and rich flavor make them an irresistible choice for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night at home. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, these banana bars are sure to impress!
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)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar (sifted)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup caramel topping
- whole milk as needed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and eggs one at a time.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually combine with wet ingredients, then fold in mashed bananas.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cooling, prepare the frosting by beating room temperature butter until creamy, then gradually add sifted sugar and salt, mixing in caramel topping and milk as needed.
- Once cooled completely, frost the bars evenly with the salted caramel buttercream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
