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 bars are not only sweet and moist but also easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a comforting dessert at home, these bars will surely please everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of bananas and salted caramel creates a deliciously unique taste that keeps you coming back for more.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these bars with confidence.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares, and you have the ideal dessert to share at parties or potlucks.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Serve them warm with ice cream, or enjoy them chilled as a refreshing snack.
- Moist and Chewy Texture: The bananas keep these bars wonderfully moist, providing a delightful chewy bite.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, make sure you have the right tools on hand.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- 9×13 inch baking pan
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling, allowing you to mix smoothly.
- Whisk: Helps to incorporate air into your batter, giving the bars a light texture.
- Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring nothing goes to waste.
- 9×13 inch baking pan: Provides the ideal size for evenly baked bars that are easy to slice.
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 Your 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 the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth. Add in the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Add Bananas
Fold in the mashed bananas gently using a rubber spatula. It’s okay if there are some small chunks; they add texture.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool Before Frosting
Once baked, remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before applying frosting.
Step 8: Make the 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 add milk as needed until you achieve your desired consistency.
Step 9: Frost Your Bars
Spread an even layer of salted caramel buttercream over your cooled banana bars. Slice into squares and serve!
Enjoy these heavenly Ooey Gooey Banana Bars as an irresistible dessert that everyone will love!
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 simply indulging at home, there are numerous serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm banana bars for a classic dessert.
- Try caramel or cinnamon ice cream for an extra flavor twist.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- A drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
- For a gourmet touch, use homemade caramel sauce.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Light and airy whipped cream complements the dense texture of banana bars.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for added flavor.
Served with Fresh Fruit
- Slices of fresh bananas or berries provide a refreshing contrast to the rich bars.
- Consider a fruit salad for a colorful side that balances flavors.
Paired with Coffee or Tea
- Enjoying these bars with a cup of coffee enhances their sweet taste.
- A soothing herbal tea can also be a perfect pairing for dessert time.
How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
To achieve the best Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, follow these essential tips for perfect results every time.
- Use Ripe Bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- Don’t Overmix – Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep your bars tender. Overmixing can lead to dense bars.
- Check Oven Temperature – Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures. An oven that’s too hot can burn the edges before the center is done.
- Cool Before Frosting – Allow your banana bars to cool completely before adding frosting. This prevents melting and ensures a nice finish.
- Store Properly – Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Refrigeration can dry them out.
Best Side Dishes for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
When serving Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, consider these delicious side dishes that enhance their flavors and create a well-rounded dessert experience.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic accompaniment that adds creaminess and balances sweetness.
- Fresh Berries – Strawberries or blueberries add tartness and freshness to contrast with the sweet bars.
- Coffee Cake – A slice of moist coffee cake provides additional texture and flavor, creating a delightful dessert spread.
- Caramel Sauce – Serve alongside for drizzling; it elevates the dessert experience with its rich, sweet notes.
- Fruit Salad – A light mix of seasonal fruits refreshes the palate after enjoying the rich banana bars.
- Chocolate Sauce – For chocolate lovers, offering chocolate sauce can add another layer of indulgence.
- Honey Yogurt Dip – A creamy dip that adds tanginess and pairs well with sweet flavors.
Consider these side dishes as you serve your delectable Ooey Gooey Banana Bars!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, there are some common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Using Overripe Bananas: While ripe bananas add flavor, make sure they are not overly brown and mushy. Use bananas that are ripe but still firm for the best texture.
- Skipping the Buttercream: Many people overlook the essential salted caramel buttercream. Don’t skip it; it complements the bars perfectly. Take the time to make it for a delightful finish.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science; precise measurements matter. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy or measure cups properly to ensure the right balance of flavors and textures.
- Overbaking the Bars: Keep an eye on baking time. Overbaking can lead to dry bars. Check them at 40 minutes and use a toothpick to test for doneness.
- Not Allowing Cooling Time: Patience is key! Let your bars cool completely before frosting them. This helps the frosting set well and prevents it from melting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 15-20 seconds until just warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place a bar on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Ooey Gooey Banana Bars so special?
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are loved for their moist texture and rich flavor, combined with a sweet salted caramel buttercream that enhances their appeal.
Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them first and drain any excess moisture before mashing.
How do I make my banana bars less sweet?
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar by half a cup and adjust the caramel buttercream accordingly.
What other toppings can I add to my Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?
Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture!
Final Thoughts
These Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different toppings or mix-ins according to your taste. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, they bring warmth and joy to any dessert table. Try making them today!
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, a perfect blend of ripe bananas and rich salted caramel buttercream frosting. These moist and chewy dessert bars are incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for gatherings or a sweet treat at home. With their irresistible flavor and comforting texture, everyone will be reaching for seconds. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream or chilled as an afternoon snack. No matter the occasion, these banana bars are sure to steal the show!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- For Frosting: ½ cup unsalted butter, 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 bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs one at a time.
- In another bowl, whisk flour and salt together. Gradually add to wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in mashed bananas.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow bars to cool completely before frosting with salted caramel buttercream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (70g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
