Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of ripe bananas with a luscious salted caramel buttercream frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these dessert bars are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something sweet, this recipe delivers moist, flavorful bars that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious bars in no time.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of bananas and salted caramel creates a unique taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Dessert: Great for parties, potlucks, or as an everyday snack; they suit any occasion.
- Moist and Chewy Texture: These bars stay soft and gooey thanks to the mashed bananas.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With their delightful taste and appealing presentation, they are sure to be a hit among guests.
Tools and Preparation
To create perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, you’ll need some essential tools that make baking easier and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without mess.
- Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the batter, making it light and fluffy.
- 9×13 inch baking pan: The perfect size for these dessert bars, ensuring even cooking.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy removal of the 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 your bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Baking Pan
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Add in the 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 the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in Bananas
Gently fold in the mashed bananas. Be careful not to overmix; some chunks of banana add nice texture!
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare Frosting
While the bars cool, make your frosting by creaming together room temperature butter and sifted confectioners’ sugar until fluffy. Add kosher salt, caramel topping, and milk as needed for consistency.
Step 8: Frost & Serve
Once cooled completely, spread the frosting over the banana bars using a rubber spatula. Cut into squares and enjoy your 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 family gathering or a festive celebration. These delightful dessert bars can be served in various ways to enhance their deliciousness.
With Fresh Whipped Cream
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and fluffy texture that complements the rich flavors of the banana bars.
Chilled with Ice Cream
- Serve the bars chilled alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a delightful contrast of warm and cold.
Topped with Nuts
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and nutty flavor that pairs well with the soft banana base.
Drizzled with More Caramel
- For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top before serving. This enhances the sweet gooeyness of the bars.
Garnished with Sliced Bananas
- Add fresh banana slices on top for a refreshing touch that ties back to the main ingredient, making each bite even more appealing.
How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
To achieve the best results with your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, consider these helpful tips.
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Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for optimal sweetness.
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Sift Confectioners’ Sugar: Sifting helps eliminate lumps in your frosting, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture that’s easy to spread.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This ensures better mixing and a more uniform batter.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour to avoid tough bars. A few lumps are okay!
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Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary; check your bars a few minutes early. A toothpick should come out clean but moist when they’re done.
Best Side Dishes for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Pairing side dishes with your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options:
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Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The classic pairing! Its creamy texture balances out the moistness of the bars perfectly.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the banana bars.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some chocolate sauce over each serving for an extra layer of flavor that complements bananas well.
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Caramelized Apples: Warm caramelized apples enhance the dessert’s sweetness while adding a different fruity flavor profile.
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Coconut Whipped Cream: For dairy-free options, coconut whipped cream offers a delightful tropical twist that pairs beautifully with bananas.
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Chai Tea: A warm cup of chai tea provides spices that contrast nicely with the sweet flavors of the Ooey Gooey Banana Bars.
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Espresso: A shot of espresso offers a bold flavor that complements the sweetness and richness of your dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to keep in mind.
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Using Overripe Bananas: While ripe bananas are great for flavor, using overly brown or mushy bananas can lead to a dense texture. Aim for ripe but not excessively overripe bananas.
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Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Improper flour measurement can result in dry or overly thick bars. Use the spoon and level method for accurate measurement.
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Skipping the Salt in Frosting: Neglecting salt in your frosting may lead to an overly sweet flavor. A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
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Frosting Too Soon: Applying frosting while the bars are still warm can cause it to melt and become runny. Let the bars cool completely before frosting for best results.
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Using Cold Eggs: Cold eggs can affect the mixing process and final texture. Always use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into your batter.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- These bars will last about 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Warm individual pieces for 15-20 seconds on high until slightly warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Ooey Gooey Banana Bars that may help you during your baking journey.
Can I use frozen bananas for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?
Yes, you can use thawed frozen bananas! Just ensure they are well-drained before mashing.
How do I know when my Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are done?
The edges should be set, and a toothpick inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean with some moist crumbs.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts is a great way to customize your bars and enhance flavor!
What if my batter is too thick?
If your batter seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are a delightful treat that combines moist banana goodness with rich salted caramel buttercream frosting. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it with nuts, chocolate chips, or even spices like cinnamon for extra flavor. Don’t hesitate—try this comforting dessert today!
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, where the natural sweetness of ripe bananas meets a luscious salted caramel buttercream frosting. These moist dessert bars are not only simple to make but also versatile enough for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. With their rich flavor and appealing texture, they are bound to impress everyone at your table. Whether enjoyed solo or paired with a scoop of ice cream, these banana bars offer a comforting sweetness that makes them an irresistible treat.
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, about ⅔ cup)
Instructions
- Preheat your 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 smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour and salt; gradually fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow cooling before frosting with salted caramel buttercream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
