Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are a delightful treat that you can enjoy any time of day. These bars are not only sweet and moist but also packed with the rich flavor of ripe bananas and topped with a luscious homemade salted caramel buttercream. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or just a cozy night in, these banana bars stand out with their unique texture and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and salted caramel creates an irresistible taste.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the bananas and butter, every bite is soft and chewy.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip these bars up in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just an afternoon snack.
• Homemade Frosting: The salted caramel buttercream adds a gourmet touch without being overly complicated.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars requires just a few essential tools to make the process smooth. Having the right equipment on hand will ensure your baking experience is enjoyable and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Whisk
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without spills.
• Electric mixer: This tool ensures that your batter is mixed thoroughly, resulting in a perfectly blended texture.
• Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan provides the ideal size for even baking of your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars.

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 step is crucial for ensuring that your bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

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

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.
1. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until fully incorporated.
2. Stir in the mashed bananas until combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour and kosher salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly using a spatula.
Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

While the bars are cooling, beat room temperature butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
1. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and kosher salt.
2. Drizzle in caramel topping while mixing until smooth. Adjust consistency with whole milk if needed.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Once cooled, spread the frosting over the completely cooled banana bars. Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious Ooey Gooey Banana Bars!

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 yourself, these bars can be served with some creative twists.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Strawberries – Fresh strawberries add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweet banana bars.
• Blueberries – A handful of blueberries complements the flavor and adds a lovely tartness.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream – The classic pairing of vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the sweetness of the banana bars.
• Caramel Swirl Ice Cream – For an extra indulgent treat, serve with caramel swirl ice cream to enhance the caramel notes.

As Party Favors

• Individually Wrapped – Cut into squares, wrap each bar in colorful paper for guests to take home as a tasty souvenir.
• Mini Dessert Platters – Serve small portions on platters alongside other desserts for a delightful dessert table.

How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

To ensure your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Ripe Bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots.
• Don’t Overmix – When combining ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the texture light and moist.
• Check Baking Time – Every oven is different. Start checking for doneness at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting – Allow the bars to cool fully before adding the salted caramel buttercream for best results.
• Add Nuts for Crunch – If you like texture, consider folding in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.

Best Side Dishes for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Pair your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars with these delicious side dishes for a well-rounded dessert experience.

1. Whipped Cream – Light and airy whipped cream adds a creamy touch that pairs beautifully with banana flavors.
2. Chocolate Sauce – Drizzle chocolate sauce over the bars for an extra layer of richness and indulgence.
3. Chia Seed Pudding – A healthy option that provides a nice contrast in texture while remaining on theme with bananas.
4. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate and balance out the sweetness of the bars.
5. Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh bananas for a delightful twist on serving them together.
6. Coffee or Tea – A warm cup of coffee or tea complements dessert wonderfully and enhances its flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Incorrect Banana Ripeness: Using bananas that are not ripe enough will result in less sweetness and flavor. Always use fully ripe bananas with brown spots for the best taste.

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much develops gluten, leading to dense bars instead of the desired moist texture. Mix just until ingredients are combined for light and fluffy bars.

• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Inaccurate measurements can throw off the recipe balance. Use kitchen scales for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.

• Skipping the Salt: Salt enhances sweetness and flavor in desserts. Make sure to include it, as it balances the flavors in your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars.

• Ignoring Cooling Time: Cutting into the bars too soon can lead to a messy situation. Allow them to cool completely before slicing for clean edges and better presentation.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• For best taste, consume within the first few days.

Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container for optimal protection.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Warm bars for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm each bar for a few minutes until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Ooey Gooey Banana Bars to help you get started on making this delicious treat!

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 into the center should come out with only a few moist crumbs attached.

Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?

Yes! Thaw frozen bananas completely before mashing them. They will still work great in your bars.

What can I substitute for butter?

You can use coconut oil or vegan butter as substitutes, but keep in mind that they may alter the flavor slightly.

How can I customize my Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?

Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon to enhance flavor and add texture!

Final Thoughts

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them alone, these bars are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth! Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful flavors!