Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are the ultimate dessert for banana lovers! These bars are sweet, moist, and packed with delicious banana flavor, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to indulge yourself, these bars topped with homemade salted caramel buttercream will surely impress. Their unique blend of flavors and textures makes them a standout treat that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delightful bars in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and salted caramel creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just as a sweet treat after dinner.
• Moist and Chewy: The addition of bananas ensures that these bars stay soft and chewy, making them irresistible.
• Homemade Frosting: The salted caramel buttercream adds an extra layer of richness that elevates these bars.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Baking pan: A 9×13-inch pan is perfect for achieving the right thickness in your banana bars.
• Electric mixer: This tool speeds up the mixing process, ensuring smooth batter and 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 even baking for your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes it easier to serve the bars later.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add all-purpose flour and kosher salt to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Fold in the mashed bananas gently until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly. Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

While the bars cool, beat room temperature butter in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer. Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar and salt until combined. Drizzle in caramel topping while mixing. Adjust consistency with whole milk if needed.

Step 7: Frost Your Bars

Once cooled, spread the salted caramel buttercream evenly over your baked banana bars. Cut into squares and serve!

Enjoy your delicious Ooey Gooey Banana Bars!

How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Serving Ooey Gooey Banana Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy evening at home, these bars are sure to impress. Here are some creative ways to enjoy them.

With Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the dense bars beautifully.

Topped with Nuts

• Chopped walnuts or pecans provide a crunchy contrast to the soft bars, enhancing both flavor and texture.

Accompanied by Ice Cream

• Serve warm Ooey Gooey Banana Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat that melts in your mouth.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of rich chocolate sauce can add a touch of indulgence, making for an irresistible combination.

Served with Fresh Fruit

• Pairing these bars with slices of fresh banana or berries brings out their fruity flavors and adds brightness to your plate.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the bars alongside other desserts like brownies or cookies for a delightful dessert spread during parties or gatherings.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

To achieve the best Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time.

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bars will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor.
• Melt Butter Wisely: Make sure to melt the butter gently so it doesn’t separate. This keeps the batter smooth and creamy.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the bars tender. Overmixing can lead to tough texture.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs for perfectly baked bars.
• Cool Before Frosting: Allow the bars to cool completely 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

Pairing side dishes with your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the bars.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast that complements the moist texture.
3. Chocolate Chip Cookies: The classic cookie offers another delicious sweet option that pairs well with banana flavors.
4. Coffee Cake: This nostalgic treat works well as a side, especially when served alongside coffee or tea.
5. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide a rich contrast, making for an indulgent pairing when enjoyed together.
6. Nutty Granola Bars: For those who want something less sweet, granola bars offer crunch and health benefits while complementing banana flavors.
7. Pecan Pie Squares: These provide another gooey dessert option that harmonizes well with bananas, ideal for special occasions.
8. Apple Crisp: The warm cinnamon apples create an inviting aroma and flavor profile that matches wonderfully with banana desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, small errors can lead to disappointing results. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using Overripe Bananas: Ensure your bananas are ripe but not too mushy. Overripe bananas can make the bars overly sweet and mushy.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups properly. Incorrect measurements can affect the texture and flavor of the bars.
• Skipping the Salt in Frosting: Don’t omit salt from the buttercream. It balances sweetness and enhances flavor, making your frosting delightful.
• Not Allowing Bars to Cool Properly: Let the bars cool before frosting. Frosting warm bars can cause it to melt away, ruining your presentation.
• Using Cold Eggs: Always use room temperature eggs for better mixing. Cold eggs can cause the batter to curdle and affect texture.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 15-20 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Use a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, check out these FAQs.

How do I know when my Ooey Gooey 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 moist crumbs.

Can I use different types of bananas?

Yes! While ripe bananas are ideal, you can use frozen bananas that have been thawed and drained for added moisture.

What is the best way to serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle additional caramel sauce on top for extra decadence.

Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

Feel free to replace butter with coconut oil or use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour if desired.

Final Thoughts

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or snack, they’re sure to please everyone. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful flavors!