Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are a delightful treat that everyone will love. These dessert bars are not only sweet and moist but also filled with the irresistible flavor of bananas. Topped with homemade salted caramel buttercream, they are perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to casual get-togethers. Their unique combination of textures and flavors makes them a standout dessert that is sure to impress.

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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: Add Eggs
• Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 6: Fold in Bananas
• Step 7: Bake the Bars
• Step 8: Cool Before Frosting
• Step 9: Make the Frosting
• Step 10: Frost Your Bars
• How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars
• For a Cozy Dessert Night
• As a Party Treat
• For Brunch Gatherings
• For Special Occasions
• 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
• How do I know when my Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are done?
• Can I use frozen bananas for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?
• What can I add to my Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?
• How do I make my frosting thicker?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

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 ripe bananas ensure each bite is rich and soft, making these bars incredibly satisfying.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a dessert or an afternoon snack; they fit perfectly into any meal plan.
• Homemade Frosting: The salted caramel buttercream elevates this treat, adding a gourmet touch without much effort.
• Great for Sharing: With 12 servings, these bars are perfect for parties or potlucks.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking process. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in creating perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a light and fluffy batter quickly, saving you time and effort.
• 9×13 inch baking pan: The perfect size for even cooking, ensuring your bars bake uniformly.

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). Preparing your oven ensures even baking from start to finish.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Add the room temperature eggs one at a time to the mixture. Beat until fully incorporated after each addition.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed to avoid lumps.

Step 6: Fold in Bananas

Gently fold in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Some chunks are fine for added texture.

Step 7: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly using a rubber spatula. Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Before Frosting

Allow your banana bars to cool completely before adding frosting. This step ensures your frosting does not melt off!

Step 9: Make the Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat room temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar and kosher salt while mixing. Add caramel topping and milk as needed until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Step 10: Frost Your Bars

Spread the salted caramel buttercream evenly over cooled bars using an offset spatula for an even layer.

Now you’re ready to slice into these delicious Ooey Gooey Banana Bars! Enjoy!

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 serving them at a party or enjoying them at home, these banana bars are sure to impress.

For a Cozy Dessert Night

• Serve warm: Warm the bars slightly in the oven for a comforting dessert.
• Pair with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top enhances the sweetness and adds creaminess.

As a Party Treat

• Slice into bite-sized pieces: Cut the bars into smaller squares for easy snacking.
• Offer with coffee: These bars make an excellent pairing with a cup of brewed coffee or espresso.

For Brunch Gatherings

• Serve alongside fresh fruit: Complement the sweet bars with slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries.
• Drizzle with caramel: Enhance the flavor with an extra drizzle of caramel topping before serving.

For Special Occasions

• Top with whipped cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant finish.
• Garnish with nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added texture and flavor.

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How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

To achieve the best results with your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, follow these handy tips for perfecting your baking process.

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to ensure your bars remain moist and tender.
• Cool before frosting: Allow the bars to cool completely before adding salted caramel buttercream for better adhesion.
• Adjust saltiness: Depending on your taste, you can adjust the amount of kosher salt in both the batter and frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

While Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of berries, melons, and citrus balances out the sweetness.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy ice cream adds richness and contrasts nicely with the moist bars.
3. Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee pairs well with sweet desserts like banana bars.
4. Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce intensifies flavor and adds a beautiful presentation touch.
5. Chopped Nuts: Serve alongside chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor contrast.
6. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce can create an indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Using Overripe Bananas: Using bananas that are too ripe can make your bars too mushy. Aim for bananas that are ripe but still firm for the best texture.
• Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold eggs or butter can affect the batter’s consistency. Always use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and better results.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense bars. Mix just until combined to keep your bars light and fluffy.
• Skipping the Sifting Step: Not sifting your flour can result in clumps. Sift before measuring to ensure a smooth batter.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly: Measuring by weight is best for accuracy. Use a kitchen scale if possible, especially for flour and sugar.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3–5 days for the best flavor.

Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They will last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes for fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 15-20 seconds at a time until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat with a lid until warmed, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about making these delightful bars with these frequently asked questions.

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

The bars should be golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I use frozen bananas for Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?

Yes! Thaw and drain excess liquid from frozen bananas before mashing them for the best results.

What can I add to my Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?

Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon for an extra twist!

How do I make my frosting thicker?

If your salted caramel buttercream is too thin, gradually add more sifted confectioners’ sugar until you reach your desired thickness.

Final Thoughts

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various mix-ins or toppings to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a cozy snack at home, these bars will surely delight everyone who tries them!