Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are a delicious treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich, buttery frosting. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply as an everyday dessert, these bars are sure to impress. With their moist texture and homemade salted caramel buttercream, they stand out among other desserts. Whether you’re serving them at a birthday celebration or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, everyone will love these indulgent banana bars.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Banana Bars
• For the Salted Caramel Buttercream
• How to Make Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Batter
• Step 3: Bake the Bars
• Step 4: Make the Frosting
• Step 5: Frosting the Bars
• Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
• How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
• With Fresh Fruit
• With Ice Cream
• With Beverages
• How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
• Best Side Dishes for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
• Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use frozen bananas for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?
• How do I know when my bars are done baking?
• Can I substitute gluten-free flour?
• How should I store leftover bars?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Deliciously Sweet: The combination of ripe bananas and caramel buttercream creates a delightful taste that satisfies any sweet tooth.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for any occasion—from casual family dinners to festive celebrations—these bars will fit right in.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the bananas and butter, each bite is incredibly moist and flavorful, leaving you wanting more.
• Beautiful Presentation: Topped with rich frosting, these bars not only taste great but also look fantastic on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, gather the necessary tools to streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining your ingredients thoroughly without any mess.
• Electric mixer: Helps achieve a smooth batter quickly and effortlessly compared to mixing by hand.

Ingredients

For the Banana 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 Salted Caramel Buttercream

• 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). Grease your baking pan lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar until well blended.
2. Add the vanilla extract and eggs. Mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Stir until just combined.
4. Fold in the mashed bananas gently.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

While the bars are baking, prepare your salted caramel buttercream:
1. In another bowl, beat together room temperature butter and sifted confectioners’ sugar until creamy.
2. Add kosher salt, caramel topping, and whole milk as needed to reach desired consistency.

Step 5: Frosting the Bars

Once baked bars have cooled completely in the pan, spread an even layer of salted caramel buttercream over them.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Cut into squares and serve your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars to friends and family. Enjoy this delightful dessert!

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 looking for an indulgent snack, these bars pair well with numerous accompaniments.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Strawberries: The tartness of strawberries complements the sweetness of the bars.
• Banana Slices: Enhance the banana flavor and freshness by adding fresh banana slices on top.
• Berries Medley: A mix of blueberries and raspberries adds color and a burst of flavor.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that balances the richness of the bars.
• Caramel Swirl Ice Cream: This adds an extra layer of sweetness, echoing the caramel frosting.
• Chocolate Ice Cream: For chocolate lovers, this combination is heavenly.

With Beverages

• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee enhances the flavors and provides a nice contrast.
• Milk: Nothing beats the classic pairing of milk with sweet desserts.
• Herbal Tea: A soothing tea can balance the sweetness perfectly.

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How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

To achieve the ultimate Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, a few key tips can ensure your baking success. Follow these suggestions for perfect results.

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined to keep your bars tender.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs for perfect texture.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your bars to cool completely to prevent melting the frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

When serving Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, consider pairing them with some delicious side dishes to enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it’s perfect for adding creaminess.
2. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle over the bars for an added touch of decadence.
3. Nut Mix: A savory nut mix provides a crunchy contrast to the soft bars.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing side.
5. Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses can create an interesting flavor profile alongside sweet bars.
6. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances sweetness with acidity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring Ripe Bananas: Using unripe bananas can lead to bars that lack flavor. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can create tough bars. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and moist.
• Skipping Salt in the Frosting: Not adding salt can result in a one-dimensional sweet frosting. A little salt enhances the flavor beautifully.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Properly: Incorrect measurements can change the texture and taste. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
• Underbaking the Bars: Taking them out too soon can lead to gooey centers that aren’t set. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Ooey Gooey Banana Bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for about 4-5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

• For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, you’re not alone! Here are common inquiries:

Can I use frozen bananas for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well! They can provide extra moisture and sweetness.

How do I know when my bars are done baking?

Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready!

Can I substitute gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! For gluten-free Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How should I store leftover bars?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

These Ooey Gooey Banana Bars offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone will love. They are perfect for any occasion, whether as an afternoon snack or dessert after dinner. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra flair!