Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. These dessert bars offer a delightful blend of sweet, ripe bananas and a creamy salted caramel buttercream frosting that elevates them to gourmet status. Their moist texture and rich flavor make them irresistible, ensuring they’ll be a hit whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as an afternoon snack.

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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 Bars
• For the Frosting
• How to Make Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
• Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
• Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
• Step 5: Bake the Bars
• Step 6: Make the Frosting
• Step 7: Frost the Bars
• How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
• With Fresh Whipped Cream
• A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
• Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
• Topped with Nuts
• With Fresh Fruit
• Sprinkled with Sea Salt
• 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 Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are done?
• Can I make these bars gluten-free?
• What can I substitute for salted caramel buttercream?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of bananas and salted caramel creates a unique taste that is both sweet and savory.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up with ease.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or just a weekend treat—these bars fit any occasion.
• Moist and Chewy Texture: The bananas keep these bars incredibly moist, making each bite satisfying.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process for your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, it’s essential to gather the right tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients without mess.
• Rubber spatula: Helps in mixing batter thoroughly and scraping down sides of bowls.
• Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light texture.

Ingredients

To create your own batch of Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, you’ll need the following:

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

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with some melted butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the melted butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until smooth.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and kosher salt.
2. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix!
3. Fold in the mashed bananas gently until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

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

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While the bars are cooling:
1. In another bowl, cream together room temperature butter with sifted confectioners’ sugar.
2. Add kosher salt and caramel topping; mix until well combined.
3. If needed, add whole milk gradually until you reach desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost the Bars

Once cooled completely, spread your salted caramel buttercream frosting over the top of the bars for that final touch of sweetness!

Enjoy your decadent Ooey Gooey Banana Bars!

How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars make a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream complements the dense texture of the banana bars perfectly.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing that adds creaminess.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of chocolate sauce adds a rich flavor that contrasts with the sweetness of the bars.

Topped with Nuts

• Chopped walnuts or pecans provide a crunchy texture, enhancing the overall taste of the dessert.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pairing with slices of fresh strawberries or blueberries can add a refreshing element to each bite.

Sprinkled with Sea Salt

• A light sprinkle of sea salt on top can enhance the flavors and balance out the sweetness beautifully.

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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 your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of soft and gooey ones.

• Adjust Baking Time: Every oven is different; check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. It should come out with a few moist crumbs.

• Let Them Cool Fully: Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting your delicious salted caramel buttercream.

• Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container for up to five days to maintain their gooey texture.

Best Side Dishes for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

While Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can enhance the overall dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Classic Milk: A glass of cold milk balances the sweetness and provides a comforting drink alongside your dessert.

2. Coffee or Espresso: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness beautifully; a perfect pairing for adults.

3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and acidity, making it a great counterpoint to the rich banana bars.

4. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit creates an excellent contrast in textures and flavors.

5. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory counterbalance to the sweet bars, especially mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese.

6. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These decadent treats add elegance and pair well with the banana flavor while offering additional richness.

7. Nutty Granola Bars: Homemade or store-bought granola bars add crunchiness and are great for those who enjoy a bit more texture alongside their dessert.

8. Caramel Apples: Slices of caramel-dipped apples offer both sweetness and tartness, enhancing your dessert experience with contrasting flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, there are a few common pitfalls to be aware of. Avoid these mistakes for the best results.

• Ingredients: Always use fresh, ripe bananas. Overripe bananas add better flavor and moisture, while under-ripe bananas can lead to a bland taste.
• Mixing Too Much: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense bars instead of the light and fluffy texture you want.
• Ignoring Temperature: Let your butter reach room temperature before mixing it with other ingredients. This ensures a smoother batter and helps the bars rise properly.
• Skipping Salt: Don’t skip the salt! A pinch of kosher salt enhances the flavors of the dessert and balances sweetness.
• Not Checking Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bars are ready.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Ooey Gooey Banana Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

• Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place bars on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars.

Can I use frozen bananas for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well! Just ensure they are well-mashed before mixing into your batter.

How do I know when my Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are done?

Check with a toothpick inserted in the center. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious results.

What can I substitute for salted caramel buttercream?

You can use cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache as an alternative topping that complements the banana flavor.

Final Thoughts

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are not only delightful but also versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize them by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even incorporating spices like cinnamon. Try this recipe today and indulge in its comforting flavor!