Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of ripe bananas and sweet caramel, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a comforting dessert after dinner, or simply indulging yourself, these bars will satisfy your sweet tooth. Their moist texture and homemade salted caramel buttercream set them apart from ordinary desserts, ensuring they become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Bars
• For the Frosting
• How to Make Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
• Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
• Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 5: Fold in Bananas
• Step 6: Bake the Bars
• Step 7: Cool Completely
• Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
• Step 9: Frost Your Bars
• How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
• With Ice Cream
• With Fresh Fruit
• As Part of a Dessert Platter
• Dusted with Powdered Sugar
• With Coffee or Tea
• How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
• Best Side Dishes for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
• Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make my Ooey Gooey Banana Bars more flavorful?
• Can I use frozen bananas for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?
• What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
• How do I know when my bars are done baking?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Moist: The ripe bananas create a luscious texture that keeps the bars soft and tender.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delicious bars.
• Versatile Dessert: Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or as an everyday sweet treat.
• Decadent Frosting: The homemade salted caramel buttercream adds a gourmet touch that elevates these bars.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are sure to impress family and friends with their rich flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having everything ready makes the process enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients easily without spills.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar.
• Baking pan: Ensures even cooking for perfectly baked 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 even baking of your banana bars.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.

1. Add in the vanilla extract.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.

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, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Bananas

Gently fold in the mashed bananas using a rubber spatula. It’s okay if there are some small chunks remaining for added texture.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread evenly and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

In another bowl, cream together room temperature butter and sifted confectioners’ sugar until smooth.

1. Add kosher salt and caramel topping.
2. Mix well. If needed, add whole milk to achieve desired consistency.

Step 9: Frost Your Bars

Spread the salted caramel buttercream across the cooled banana bars using a spatula.

Enjoy your delicious Ooey Gooey Banana Bars!

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 serving them at a party or enjoying them as a cozy snack at home, these bars can be paired with several accompaniments for an extra special experience.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing that provides a creamy contrast to the moist bars.
• Caramel Swirl Ice Cream: Adds an extra layer of caramel flavor that complements the bars beautifully.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Strawberries: Their tartness balances the sweetness of the banana bars.
• Raspberries: A handful of fresh raspberries adds a burst of color and slight tanginess.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Cheese Selection: Soft cheeses like brie can provide a savory counterpoint to the sweet dessert.
• Nuts: Roasted almonds or pecans add crunch and flavor that pair well with the soft texture of the bars.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• Simple Dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar enhances presentation and adds sweetness without overpowering.

With Coffee or Tea

• Brewed Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the bars.
• Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of chamomile or mint tea creates a comforting experience.

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How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

To ensure your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars turn out perfect every time, follow these tips for success.

• Use ripe bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
• Don’t overmix: Mixing too much can lead to dense bars. Stir until just combined.
• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs when done.
• Cool completely before frosting: This ensures the frosting doesn’t melt off into puddles but stays beautifully on top.
• Store properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for optimal freshness.

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 great options to consider:

1. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it’s perfect for adding an extra layer of creaminess.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides balance and brightness.
3. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over the bars adds richness and decadence.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit complement the flavors nicely.
5. Nut Butter Dip: Almond or peanut butter dips offer a nutty contrast to the sweet dessert.
6. Granola Crumble: Sprinkling granola on top adds texture and crunch, enhancing each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Using Overripe Bananas: While ripe bananas are essential for sweetness, overly brown bananas can lead to an off taste. Use bananas that are ripe but not overly mushy.

• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, and improper measurements can affect the texture. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.

• Skipping the Salt: Salt enhances flavors, even in sweet recipes. Don’t skip it; using kosher salt will balance the sweetness of your bars.

• Underbaking or Overbaking: Baking times can vary based on your oven. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean but not dry.

• Neglecting Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the frosting. Cold butter won’t whip properly, resulting in a dense frosting.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Ooey Gooey Banana Bars in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• For best flavor, allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each bar on medium power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Ooey Gooey Banana Bars more flavorful?

Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the flavors. You could also mix in nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and taste.

Can I use frozen bananas for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?

Yes! Thaw and drain any excess moisture from frozen bananas before mashing them for best results.

What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?

You can use coconut oil or vegan butter as substitutes if you prefer a dairy-free option without compromising flavor.

How do I know when my bars are done baking?

Check for a golden-brown top and insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean with few crumbs attached.

Final Thoughts

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with your favorite toppings or mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Whether served warm or chilled, they are sure to bring joy to any gathering. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!