Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are moist, rich dessert bars packed with ripe banana flavor and topped with a luscious salted caramel buttercream. These bars are a delightful twist on traditional banana bread, offering a soft, chewy texture and a sweet, salty finish. Perfect for using up overripe bananas, they make an indulgent treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Banana Flavor: Made with ripe bananas, these bars are bursting with natural sweetness.
• Decadent Frosting: The salted caramel buttercream adds a luxurious, sweet-salty contrast.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for all skill levels.
• Versatile: Great for dessert, snacks, or even a sweet breakfast treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Banana Bars:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) 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 (about ⅔ cup)

For the Salted Caramel Buttercream:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup caramel topping
• 1½ teaspoons whole milk, as needed

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar using a hand mixer.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in mashed bananas until evenly distributed.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the center is set.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

For the Salted Caramel Buttercream:

1. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine butter, confectioners’ sugar, salt, and caramel topping.
2. Mix on low speed until the sugar is incorporated, then increase to high speed and beat until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Add milk as needed to achieve desired consistency.
4. Once the bars are cooled, spread the buttercream evenly over the top.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 12 bars

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• Chocolate Twist: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate-banana combo.
• Spiced Flavor: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced taste.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Substitute the caramel buttercream with cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.
• Reheating: Serve at room temperature or warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well. Ensure they are fully thawed and drained of excess liquid before mashing.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter allows better control over the salt content, but if using salted butter, reduce added salt accordingly.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely, store-bought caramel sauce works fine for the buttercream.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the center is set, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the frosting in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.

What can I use instead of caramel topping?

You can use dulce de leche or butterscotch sauce as alternatives to caramel topping.

Can I add other fruits to the batter?

Adding other fruits may alter the texture; it’s best to stick with bananas for this recipe.

How can I make the bars more moist?

Ensure not to overbake and use ripe bananas for maximum moisture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish, adjusting the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavor of bananas with the indulgence of salted caramel buttercream. Easy to make and sure to impress, these bars are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Enjoy the rich, moist texture and the sweet-salty frosting that makes every bite irresistible.

Print