Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their sweet and moist texture, these bars are loaded with ripe bananas and topped with a luscious homemade salted caramel buttercream. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a birthday, or just indulging in a cozy night at home, these delightful bars will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
- Deliciously Moist: The combination of ripe bananas and butter creates a wonderfully moist texture that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or just because, these bars are sure to be a hit.
- Decadent Frosting: The homemade salted caramel buttercream adds an extra layer of flavor that elevates the dessert experience.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast on the go!
Tools and Preparation
To make these Ooey Gooey Banana Bars successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Electric mixer
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining ingredients without creating a mess.
- Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer ensures that your batter becomes light and fluffy for the perfect texture.
- Baking pan: A 9×13 inch baking pan allows for even cooking and makes it easy to cut into 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 will ensure that your bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and brown sugar until well blended.
1. Add vanilla extract and eggs; mix until smooth.
2. Set aside.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 5: Add Bananas
Fold in the mashed bananas gently until incorporated but still slightly chunky.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the oven for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Step 8: Make Frosting
In a separate bowl, beat together room temperature unsalted butter with confectioners’ sugar until creamy.
1. Add kosher salt and caramel topping; mix well.
2. If needed, add whole milk one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Step 9: Frost Bars
Spread the salted caramel buttercream evenly over cooled banana bars. Cut into squares and enjoy!
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Serving Ooey Gooey Banana Bars is all about enhancing their sweet, moist goodness. These bars can be enjoyed in various delightful ways that suit any occasion.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing that complements the flavors perfectly.
- Chocolate Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, chocolate ice cream adds richness.
- Caramel Swirl Ice Cream: A fun twist that enhances the caramel notes in the bars.
As a Breakfast Treat
- With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside sliced strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing touch.
- With Yogurt: Pairing with Greek yogurt adds protein and a creamy texture.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel
- Caramel Sauce: A simple drizzle of extra caramel topping elevates the dessert experience.
- Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, adding a chocolate drizzle can create a decadent dessert.
Topped with Nuts
- Chopped Pecans: Adds a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft bars.
- Walnuts: For a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the banana bars.
How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
To achieve the ideal texture and flavor for your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, follow these handy tips.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Mixing just until combined helps keep the bars moist and tender.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allowing them to cool prevents the frosting from melting off.
- Adjust Salt to Taste: A pinch more or less can enhance or tone down flavors based on preference.
- Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness and moisture.
Best Side Dishes for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
Pairing side dishes with your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a bright and tart contrast.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream complements the dense sweetness of the bars.
- Cheese Plate: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese balance out sweetness beautifully.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers freshness alongside the rich banana bars.
- Nut Mix: A handful of mixed nuts provides crunch and saltiness for contrast.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage pairs nicely with dessert for an inviting finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, it’s easy to overlook certain details that can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Skipping the Ripe Bananas: Using unripe bananas will not give you the sweet flavor and moisture needed for these bars. Always choose ripe bananas for the best results.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough bars. Stir until just combined for a soft texture.
- Not Using Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold eggs and butter can affect how well they blend. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
- Ignoring the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your bars as they bake. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Skipping the Salt in Frosting: A pinch of salt enhances flavors in sweet desserts. Don’t forget to add salt to your salted caramel buttercream for balanced sweetness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat bars for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, warming each bar gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Ooey Gooey Banana Bars.
What makes Ooey Gooey Banana Bars different from regular banana bread?
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are more moist and have a rich buttercream frosting, giving them a dessert-like quality compared to traditional banana bread.
Can I use frozen bananas for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?
Yes! Thaw frozen bananas before using them. They should be very ripe, which is perfect for this recipe.
How do I know when my Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are done baking?
Check with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached, but no wet batter.
Are there variations I can try with this recipe?
Absolutely! Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even spices like cinnamon for added flavor in your bars.
Final Thoughts
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips based on your preferences. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night at home. Don’t hesitate to give it a try!
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, a sensational dessert that perfectly marries sweet, ripe bananas with a decadent homemade salted caramel buttercream frosting. These bars boast a moist and chewy texture that melts in your mouth, making them an ideal treat for any occasion—be it birthday celebrations, family gatherings, or cozy evenings at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- For Frosting: ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 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 large mixing bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract and eggs.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt, then gradually fold into the wet mixture 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 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
