Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. These bars are irresistibly moist and sweet, thanks to the ripe bananas and a luscious homemade salted caramel buttercream frosting. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, these bars will surely impress your guests with their delightful flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delicious bars in no time.
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of ripe bananas and salted caramel buttercream creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, picnics, or just as an afternoon snack, these bars fit any occasion.
- Moist and Chewy: The unique texture of these bars makes them incredibly satisfying to eat, ensuring they won’t last long!
- Customizable Frosting: Feel free to experiment with different flavors in the frosting to match your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, gather all necessary tools. This recipe requires a few essential kitchen items that will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
- Baking pan: A sturdy 9×13-inch pan ensures even cooking and easy serving.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing batter to achieve a fluffy consistency.
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 that your bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pan
Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. Melted unsalted butter.
2. Brown sugar.
3. Vanilla extract.
4. Eggs.
Mix until well combined using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add:
1. All-purpose flour.
2. Kosher salt.
Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing the batter for a tender texture.
Step 5: Incorporate Bananas
Fold in the mashed bananas gently using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Smooth out the top with the spatula. Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool Before Frosting
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting them with homemade salted caramel buttercream.
Enjoy making your delicious Ooey Gooey Banana Bars!
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Serving Ooey Gooey Banana Bars can elevate your dessert experience. These bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the moist bars.
- Try caramel or banana-flavored ice cream for an extra twist.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- A generous drizzle of caramel enhances the sweetness.
- It’s visually appealing and adds a rich layer of flavor.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Fresh whipped cream provides a light, airy texture.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for added warmth.
Paired with Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside sliced strawberries or raspberries for freshness.
- The tartness balances the sweetness of the bars.
Accompanied by Coffee or Tea
- Enjoying these bars with a warm beverage makes for a cozy treat.
- Pair them with a bold coffee or soothing herbal tea.
How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
To achieve the best Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, follow these helpful tips that will ensure delightful results every time.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the bars tender and moist.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting off your bars.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor variations.
Best Side Dishes for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Completing your dessert table with side dishes can enhance the overall experience. Here are some delightful pairings for your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to your meal.
- Coconut Macaroons: Chewy and sweet, these pair well with banana flavors.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic cookies provide a crunchy contrast to soft banana bars.
- Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing side.
- Nutty Granola Bars: Their crunchy texture complements the softness of banana bars nicely.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie that balance sweetness without overpowering it.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer crunch and savory notes against sweet desserts.
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 get it just right.
- Ingredient Choices: Using overly ripe bananas can lead to a mushy texture. Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm for the best results.
- Measuring Flour: Not measuring your flour properly can affect the bars’ density. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- Mixing Technique: Overmixing the batter can result in tough bars. Mix until just combined for that perfect moist texture.
- Oven Temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature will impact cooking time. Make sure to preheat your oven for even baking.
- Frosting Consistency: A frosting that’s too thick or runny won’t adhere well. Adjust with milk or confectioners’ sugar until you achieve a spreadable consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date for easy identification.
Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat bars for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each bar on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re still curious about making these delicious desserts, check out our FAQ section below.
What makes Ooey Gooey Banana Bars special?
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are loaded with ripe bananas and topped with salted caramel buttercream, creating a unique flavor combination that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Just thaw the bananas first and drain any excess liquid before mashing them into the batter.
How should I store leftover bars?
Store leftover Ooey Gooey Banana Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Alternatively, freeze them for later enjoyment.
Can I customize the frosting?
Absolutely! You can add cocoa powder for chocolate frosting or sprinkle nuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with different toppings or mix-ins. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a snack, they’re sure to please everyone. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite!
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, a moist and sweet treat that effortlessly combines ripe bananas with a rich homemade salted caramel buttercream frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are not just a dessert; they’re a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and comfort to every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special event, or enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, these scrumptious banana bars will surely impress everyone with their heavenly flavor and chewy texture. Easy to make and customizable, this recipe is your go-to for creating unforgettable moments around the table.
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 the frosting: ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup caramel topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs; mix until smooth.
- Gradually add flour and salt; stir 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 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 (60g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
