Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of ripe bananas with a creamy salted caramel frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these dessert bars are ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night at home. Their moist texture and sweet aroma make them irresistible, ensuring they will be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of bananas and salted caramel creates an indulgent taste that is hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
- Versatile Dessert: Great for parties, picnics, or as a sweet snack at home; they fit any occasion perfectly.
- Mouthwatering Texture: These bars are soft and chewy, topped with smooth frosting that enhances their appeal.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun treat that kids will love; perfect for baking together as a family activity.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience seamless, gather the following essential tools. Each tool plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Spatula
- Electric mixer
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without making a mess.
- Electric mixer: Makes it easier to whip the buttercream frosting to a smooth consistency.
- Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan ensures even baking and allows the bars to rise perfectly.
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). Ensure your oven is fully heated before placing your banana bars inside for even baking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In mixing bowls:
1. Combine melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour and kosher salt until well blended.
2. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture while stirring gently until just combined.
Step 4: Fold in Bananas
Gently fold in the mashed bananas. Some small chunks can remain for added texture in your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan:
1. Spread it evenly using a spatula.
2. Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
While the bars cool:
1. Beat together room temperature unsalted butter, sifted confectioners’ sugar, and kosher salt until creamy.
2. Add caramel topping and milk as needed; mix until smooth and fluffy.
Step 7: Frost Your Bars
Once cooled completely:
1. Spread an even layer of frosting over the top of your banana bars.
2. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Now you have delicious Ooey Gooey Banana Bars ready to impress friends and family!
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.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Serving these banana bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel
- A drizzle of extra caramel topping enhances the sweetness and adds a sticky richness that complements the banana flavor perfectly.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Adding a dollop of fresh whipped cream gives a light, airy finish that balances the dense texture of the bars.
Garnished with Nuts
- Chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top provide a crunchy element that contrasts beautifully with the moistness of the bars.
Served at Room Temperature
- Enjoying these bars at room temperature allows their flavors to fully develop, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Paired with Coffee or Tea
- These banana bars go wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, enhancing your dessert experience during afternoon gatherings or after dinner.
How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
To ensure your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars come out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister your bars will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until combined will help keep your bars tender. Overmixing can lead to tough texture.
- Check Baking Time: Every oven is different! Start checking for doneness around 40 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Before Frosting: Let your bars cool completely before adding frosting. This prevents melting and ensures an even layer.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butter and eggs contribute to better flavor and texture. Always check expiration dates.
- Store Properly: Keep any leftovers 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 add variety to your dessert table. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the banana bars.
- Cheese Platter: Slices of sharp cheese like cheddar balance the sweetness while adding a savory touch.
- Pecan Pie Bites: Miniature pecan pies offer a crunchy texture that pairs nicely with the soft banana bars.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The combination of chocolate and strawberries complements the flavors in your banana dessert beautifully.
- Caramel Popcorn: Sweet and salty caramel popcorn can create an exciting snack alongside your dessert bars.
- Vanilla Pudding Cups: Silky vanilla pudding adds creaminess that enhances each bite of the banana goodness.
- Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips dusted with cinnamon sugar provide a fun dip option for leftover frosting.
- Coffee Cake Muffins: These muffins echo the flavors in banana bars while offering different textures and tastes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the texture and flavor. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using Overripe Bananas: While ripe bananas are best, overly brown ones can lead to a mushy texture. Use bananas that are just ripe for the best results.
- Skipping the Salt: Neglecting to add salt can make your dessert taste flat. Always include the specified amount of kosher salt to enhance flavors.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly: Incorrect measurements can ruin the consistency. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups accurately to ensure perfect results.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can result in tough bars. Stir until ingredients are just combined for a soft, gooey texture.
- Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold eggs or butter can affect how well they incorporate into your batter. Let them sit out for a bit before starting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Freeze in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
- Allow them to cool completely before freezing.
Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars. Here are some common inquiries:
Can I use frozen bananas for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?
Yes, you can! Just thaw them and drain excess moisture before mashing.
What makes these banana bars ooey gooey?
The combination of ripe bananas and caramel buttercream creates a moist and rich texture that’s truly satisfying.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I customize the frosting?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even cream cheese instead of caramel buttercream for variety.
Final Thoughts
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different toppings or mix-ins based on your preferences. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert or treating yourself, these bars are sure to please everyone!
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, where the sweet, rich flavors of ripe bananas meet a luscious salted caramel frosting. These moist dessert bars are perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to cozy nights at home. Their soft texture and heavenly aroma make them irresistible, ensuring that everyone will be asking for seconds. Easy to make and even easier to love, this recipe is a must-try for banana lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
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)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar (sifted)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup caramel topping
- Whole milk (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt; gradually add this to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in mashed bananas gently.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While cooling, prepare the frosting by beating together room temperature butter, sifted sugar, and salt until creamy. Add caramel topping and mix until smooth.
- Once cooled, frost the bars evenly and cut into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
