Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. These bars combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich, homemade salted caramel buttercream frosting. They are wonderfully moist, making them an ideal dessert for gatherings, family dinners, or just a sweet snack at home. Their unique texture and flavor profile set them apart from ordinary dessert bars, ensuring they will leave everyone wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Moist: The ripe bananas add moisture and flavor, making every bite deliciously soft.
• Quick to Make: With just 10 minutes of prep time, these bars are easy to whip up when you’re short on time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm out of the oven or chilled; they are great for any time of day.
• Sweet and Savory Balance: The salted caramel buttercream perfectly complements the sweetness of the bananas.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These bars are sure to impress guests at parties or family get-togethers.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Rubber spatula
• Sifter

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to mix dry and wet ingredients separately, ensuring even incorporation.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking and prevents sticking, leading to perfectly baked banana bars.
• Rubber spatula: This tool helps in folding ingredients gently without deflating the batter.

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 once they’re ready to go in.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the banana bars from sticking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended. Then add the eggs one at a time, stirring until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined.

Step 5: Add Bananas

Fold in the mashed bananas carefully. Some chunks are okay for added texture.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Smooth out the top with a rubber spatula. Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While your bars cool, prepare the frosting by whipping together room temperature unsalted butter, sifted confectioners’ sugar, kosher salt, caramel topping, and whole milk until fluffy.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once cooled, spread the frosting generously over your banana bars. Slice them into squares and enjoy!

How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their rich flavor and moist texture make them an irresistible dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Pair your banana bars with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a delicious contrast in temperature and texture.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel

• Add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top to enhance the sweetness and create an even more decadent dessert experience.

Topped with Sliced Bananas

• Fresh sliced bananas on top not only add to the presentation but also complement the flavors of the bars beautifully.

Served Warm

• Enjoy these bars warm from the oven for that extra ooey gooey goodness that melts in your mouth.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• A warm beverage like coffee or tea balances the sweetness, making it an excellent choice for afternoon gatherings.

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How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

To make sure your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your bars tender. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough bars.

• Check Your Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is properly calibrated. An incorrect temperature can affect baking times and outcomes.

• Cool Before Frosting: Let your bars cool completely before adding frosting. This prevents melting and ensures a beautiful finish.

Best Side Dishes for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a creamy texture that complements the richness of the banana bars.

2. Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries adds a pop of color and tartness, balancing the sweetness.

3. Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, drizzling chocolate sauce over the bars adds another layer of indulgence.

4. Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of nutty granola on top provides crunch and contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the bars.

5. Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes can add tropical flair along with delightful crunchiness to each bite.

6. Yogurt Parfait: Create a yogurt parfait with layers of yogurt and fruit alongside your banana bars for a refreshing twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars can be simple, but some common mistakes can ruin your dessert. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Incorrect banana ripeness: Using bananas that aren’t fully ripe will lead to a less sweet flavor. Make sure your bananas have plenty of brown spots for the best taste.

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make your bars dense and tough instead of soft and gooey. Mix just until ingredients are combined.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry bars. Use a spoon to fluff the flour in its container before scooping it into your measuring cup.

• Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into your bars too soon can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing.

• Using cold eggs: Cold eggs can affect the texture of your batter. Always use room temperature eggs for a better consistency.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Ooey Gooey Banana Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep them chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label bags with the date so you remember when they were made.

Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place one bar in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, here are some common questions answered:

How do I ensure my Ooey Gooey Banana Bars turn out moist?

The key is using ripe bananas and not overbaking them. Check for doneness around the suggested cooking time.

Can I use other fillings or toppings?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or different frostings to customize your bars.

What if I don’t have salted caramel topping?

You can make your own by combining butter, sugar, cream, and salt, or simply omit it and enjoy plain frosting.

How do I know when they are done baking?

Your bars should be golden brown around the edges and set in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Final Thoughts

These Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or mix-ins to suit your taste. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed alone, they’re sure to delight everyone. Try making these bars today!