Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are a delightful treat that will make any occasion special. These bars are not just moist and sweet; they pack a punch of banana flavor and are topped with homemade salted caramel buttercream. Perfect for gatherings, dessert tables, or simply when you need a little comfort food, these bars stand out with their ooey gooey texture that everyone loves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars come together quickly.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of bananas and caramel creates a deliciously unique taste that satisfies your sweet tooth.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties, picnics, or as a cozy dessert at home, they fit any occasion perfectly.
• Moist and Tender: Each bite is packed with moisture and flavor, making it hard to resist going back for more.
• Homemade Frosting: The salted caramel buttercream elevates these bars to gourmet status, adding a touch of indulgence.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows plenty of room to mix your ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer: This tool makes it easy to cream butter and sugar thoroughly for the best texture.
• Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan is perfect for achieving the ideal thickness of 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 ensures even baking for your banana bars.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This step helps prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth. Then add in vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add all-purpose flour and kosher salt into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 5: Add Bananas

Fold in the mashed bananas gently using a rubber spatula. Some chunks of banana will give more texture to your bars.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread evenly and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Your Bars

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 8: Make Frosting

While cooling, prepare the frosting by creaming room temperature unsalted butter with sifted confectioners’ sugar. Add kosher salt and caramel topping, mixing until smooth. Adjust consistency with whole milk as needed.

Step 9: Frost Your Bars

Once cooled, spread the salted caramel buttercream evenly over your banana bars. Cut into squares and enjoy!

How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

These delightful Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, serving them right can elevate the experience.

Celebrate with Ice Cream

• Pair your banana bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that adds creaminess.
• For a twist, try caramel or banana-flavored ice cream to enhance the banana theme.

Drizzle with More Caramel

• Add an extra drizzle of caramel sauce on top of each bar before serving for an indulgent touch.
• This not only enhances flavor but also adds a beautiful presentation.

Garnish with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a crunchy texture contrast.
• This adds depth to the soft bars and complements the flavor profile perfectly.

Serve with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these bars alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.
• The warmth of the beverage enhances the gooey texture and flavors of the dessert.

Pack for Lunchboxes

• These banana bars make a great treat for lunchboxes; just cut them into smaller squares.
• They are easy to transport and provide a sweet boost during the day.

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How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

To achieve the ultimate Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, consider these helpful tips.

• Use ripe bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for best results.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep your bars tender and moist. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
• Check doneness: Use a toothpick to check if they are done; it should come out clean but slightly sticky from the gooeyness.
• Cool completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before adding frosting. This prevents melting and ensures neat cuts.
• Adjust frosting consistency: If your buttercream is too thick, add milk gradually until you reach your desired spreadability.
• Store properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars can be complemented by several delightful side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great pairings:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A light and refreshing mixture of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the banana bars beautifully.
2. Greek Yogurt – Serve plain or flavored Greek yogurt on the side for a creamy texture that contrasts well with sweetness.
3. Whipped Cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds airiness and pairs perfectly when dolloped on each bar.
4. Chocolate Sauce – A drizzle of chocolate sauce can add another layer of flavor; it’s especially appealing if you love chocolate!
5. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses like brie or cheddar offers a savory balance against sweet flavors.
6. Nut Butter Dip – Provide almond or peanut butter as a dip option; this adds protein and creates a unique flavor combination.
7. Chilled Milk – A classic cold glass of milk serves as the perfect traditional beverage pairing that everyone enjoys.
8. Coconut Flakes – Toasted coconut flakes sprinkled over each bar add an exotic flair and additional texture.

With these serving suggestions, perfection tips, and side dish ideas, you’re all set to enjoy your delicious Ooey Gooey Banana Bars!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using Overripe Bananas: Using bananas that are too ripe can make the bars overly mushy. Aim for ripe bananas with some brown spots for the best texture and flavor.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure your ingredients are precise.
• Skipping the Salt: Salt enhances flavor, even in sweet recipes. Don’t skip it; just use the recommended amount for balanced sweetness.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined for a tender and moist result.
• Ignoring Baking Time: Every oven is different. Check your bars a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid overbaking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

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

Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat a single bar on high for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, place a bar and cover until warmed, about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, we’ve got you covered!

What makes Ooey Gooey Banana Bars so special?

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars stand out because they combine rich banana flavor with a delicious salted caramel buttercream, creating an irresistible treat.

How do I know when my banana bars are done?

The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Can I add nuts to my Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add crunch and enhance the flavor profile of your banana bars.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy these delicious bars without gluten.

Final Thoughts

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or adjusting the sweetness level according to your taste. Whether you’re serving them at parties or enjoying them as an everyday treat, these bars are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors!