Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are an irresistible treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich, buttery texture. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. What sets these bars apart is their decadent homemade salted caramel buttercream frosting, which adds a delightful twist to every bite. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or served as dessert, they’re sure to impress friends and family alike.

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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 Pan
• Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
• Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
• Step 5: Fold in Bananas
• Step 6: Bake the Bars
• Step 7: Make the Frosting
• Step 8: Frost and Serve
• How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
• With Ice Cream
• As a Breakfast Treat
• At Parties
• With Fresh Fruit
• 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 know when my Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are done?
• Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
• What can I substitute for butter?
• How do I make my bars even more decadent?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars come together quickly.
• Incredible Flavor: The combination of bananas and salted caramel creates a sweet yet balanced taste.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, picnics, or just a cozy night in; they fit any setting.
• Moist Texture: Each bite is soft and gooey, making them hard to resist!
• Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are loved by kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone will enjoy them.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently and preventing spills.
• Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easier, resulting in a fluffy texture.
• Baking pan: A sturdy pan ensures even baking for perfectly cooked banana bars.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, you will need the following:

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 Ooey Gooey Banana Bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. Alternatively, grease the pan well with butter.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add all-purpose flour and kosher salt to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in Bananas

Gently fold in the mashed bananas into your batter. Some chunks will add 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 in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While the bars cool, prepare your frosting by beating room temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar and kosher salt. Mix in caramel topping until smooth. Adjust with whole milk if needed for spreading consistency.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once cooled completely, frost your banana bars generously with salted caramel buttercream. Slice into squares and enjoy!

How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are deliciously sweet and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon treat, these bars can be served in various delightful ways.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture complements the moist banana bars beautifully.
• Caramel swirl ice cream: Adds an extra layer of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the caramel frosting.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Serve warm: Enjoy them straight from the oven for a cozy breakfast option.
• Top with yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness.

At Parties

• Cut into small squares: Perfect bite-sized pieces for guests to enjoy while mingling.
• Arrange on platters: Garnish with banana slices or nuts for an appealing display.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced strawberries: Fresh berries add a refreshing touch that balances the richness of the bars.
• Citrus segments: Oranges or grapefruits provide a zesty brightness that enhances the flavors.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair with a latte: The creamy coffee contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the bars.
• Serve alongside herbal tea: A calming option that complements dessert without overpowering it.

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How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Creating the perfect batch of Ooey Gooey Banana Bars requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking:

• Use ripe bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
• Measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, ensuring consistent results every time.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your bars tender and avoid toughness.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allowing the bars to cool ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt off when added.
• Store properly: Keep them in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness for several days.

Best Side Dishes for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

While Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are delightful on their own, pairing them with side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balance to your dessert spread.
2. Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola provides texture contrast and can be sprinkled on top for added flavor.
3. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream is a classic companion that adds creaminess without overwhelming sweetness.
4. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over the bars creates an indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
5. Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes bring tropical flair and crunch, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
6. Chai Spiced Nuts: Spicy nuts offer a savory element that pairs well with the sweetness of banana bars, creating a balanced snack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

• Incorrect Banana Ripeness: Using bananas that are not fully ripe can lead to less flavor and moisture. Always select very ripe bananas for the best results.
• Measuring Flour Improperly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down, leading to too much flour in your batter. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can cause dense bars instead of light, ooey gooey goodness. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Skipping the Salt in Frosting: Omitting salt in your buttercream can make it overly sweet and one-dimensional. A pinch of salt balances flavors beautifully.
• Not Allowing Bars to Cool Properly: Cutting into warm bars can result in messy servings. Let them cool completely before cutting for clean edges.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Ooey Gooey Banana Bars in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 10 minutes for the best texture.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes, ensuring they don’t dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Ooey Gooey Banana Bars.

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 in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen bananas! Ensure they are well mashed and drained of excess liquid before adding them to the batter.

What can I substitute for butter?

For a dairy-free version of Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter as a substitute for regular butter.

How do I make my bars even more decadent?

Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts into the batter for an extra layer of flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different mix-ins or toppings to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a cozy treat at home, these bars are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and indulge in their delightful flavor!