Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both cozy and indulgent, let me introduce you to my Ooey Gooey Banana Bars. These delightful treats are incredibly moist, bursting with banana flavor, and topped with a luscious homemade salted caramel buttercream. They are perfect for sharing at family gatherings or enjoying on a busy weeknight when you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Every bite is like a warm hug, making them a favorite in my home. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up! Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become your go-to dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these bars in the oven before you know it!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves bananas, and the caramel frosting adds an irresistible touch that kids and adults alike will adore.
• Versatile dessert: These bars are great for potlucks, birthday parties, or simply as an after-dinner treat.
• Make-ahead goodness: You can prepare them ahead of time and store them for a few days, so they’re always ready when that sweet craving hits.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for these Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are simple and wholesome. They come together beautifully to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 / 113 g) 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)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to your taste. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Swap the frosting: If you’re not in the mood for caramel, a cream cheese frosting would be delightful!
• Mix in chocolate chips: Add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Use other fruits: Substitute with applesauce or shredded zucchini for different flavors while keeping the moisture.

How to Make Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly from the moment they go in.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper. This step makes it easy to remove the bars later without sticking!

Step 3: Mix the Bar Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Then add in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This creates a rich base for your bars.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Next, whisk together the flour and kosher salt in another bowl. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Gently fold in the mashed bananas, leaving some chunks for texture.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The smell will be heavenly!

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While your bars cool, prepare the frosting by creaming together room temperature butter and sifted confectioners’ sugar until fluffy. Add kosher salt and caramel topping, mixing until smooth. Adjust with milk if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost & Serve

Once your bars have cooled completely, spread the salted caramel buttercream generously on top. Cut into squares and enjoy every ooey gooey bite!

These Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are sure to become a beloved staple in your home too!

Pro Tips for Making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these pro tips, your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars will turn out even more scrumptious!

• Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or brown for the best results.

• Don’t overmix: After adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of the light and fluffy texture we want.

• Let them cool completely: For the best frosting experience, allow your banana bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting into a gooey puddle.

• Adjust caramel topping to taste: Feel free to customize the amount of caramel topping in your frosting based on your personal preference. More caramel means more decadence!

• Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate them for a longer shelf life; just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.

How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

These delicious bars are perfect for any occasion and look stunning when served right! Here are some ideas for presenting your treats:

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting for a crunchy texture contrast.
• Sliced bananas: Add a few thin slices of fresh banana on top of each bar before serving for an extra burst of banana flavor.
• Chocolate shavings: A light dusting of chocolate shavings will add a touch of elegance and richness to your dessert.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm bars, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing side of mixed berries or tropical fruits balances out the sweetness of the bars while adding a vibrant color to your plate.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream. It’s light, fluffy, and complements the flavors perfectly.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the experience while providing a comforting beverage to sip alongside your delicious dessert.

Enjoy your baking journey with these fabulous Ooey Gooey Banana Bars! The combination of flavors and textures makes them an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are perfect for meal prep! They can be made in advance and stored, which makes them a delightful treat to have on hand for busy days or unexpected guests.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bars to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the banana bars into squares and allow them to cool completely.
• Wrap each piece in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label the container with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy your banana bars warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the desired number of bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual squares for about 15-20 seconds until just warm.

FAQs

Have questions about these delicious banana bars? Here are some common inquiries!

Can I use other fruits instead of bananas in Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?

While bananas are key to the flavor and texture of this recipe, you could experiment with applesauce or pureed pumpkin. However, this may change the final result.

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

The bars should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out clean, they might be overbaked!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for added flavor and texture.

How long do Ooey Gooey Banana Bars last?

When stored properly, they last up to a week at room temperature and can be frozen for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Ooey Gooey Banana Bars! Their sweet aroma will fill your kitchen, and each bite is sure to bring a smile. They’re not just easy to prepare but also wonderfully comforting—a true treat that everyone will love. Enjoy every moment of baking, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with friends and family!