Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are a delightful dessert featuring ripe bananas and a luscious salted caramel buttercream frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these bars bring together the sweet, comforting flavors of banana with a rich and creamy topping that is sure to impress friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these bars are an excellent choice!

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 combination of ripe bananas ensures that every bite is soft and flavorful.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties, potlucks, or a cozy dessert at home—everyone will love them!
• Homemade Goodness: The salted caramel buttercream adds a special touch that elevates this dessert.
• Family-Friendly: Perfect for all ages, making it an ideal snack or dessert option for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to mix ingredients efficiently without cross-contaminating flavors.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success; using the right tools ensures your bars turn out perfectly every time.
• Baking pan: A good quality baking pan ensures even cooking and easy removal of the banana bars once baked.

Ingredients

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are sweet and moist dessert bars that are loaded with bananas and frosted with homemade salted caramel buttercream.

Ingredients:
– 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))
– 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 or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
2. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

To the wet mixture:
1. Gradually add all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Stir until just combined.
2. Gently fold in the mashed bananas, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly:
1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
2. Allow cooling in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

While the bars cool:
1. In another bowl, beat together room temperature unsalted butter, confectioners’ sugar, and kosher salt.
2. Add in caramel topping and enough whole milk to achieve a smooth consistency.
3. Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once cooled:
1. Spread the salted caramel buttercream evenly over the top of your banana bars.
2. Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious Ooey Gooey Banana Bars!

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 bars are sure to please everyone.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture complements the moist banana bars perfectly.
• Chocolate Ice Cream: Adds a rich flavor contrast that’s irresistible.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Morning Coffee: Pair these bars with your morning coffee for a sweet start to your day.
• Yogurt Parfait: Crumble some bars on top of yogurt for a delicious breakfast parfait.

Topped with Nuts

• Chopped Walnuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Pecans: Toasted pecans give a warm, nutty taste that enhances the dessert.

For Afternoon Tea

• Herbal Tea: Enjoy these bars alongside a soothing herbal tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Milk: A classic pairing, milk balances the sweetness of the banana bars nicely.

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How to Perfect Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

To ensure your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
• Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can lead to dense bars. Stir until just combined for the best texture.
• Check Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly to avoid uneven baking.
• Cool Before Frosting: Allow the bars to cool completely before adding frosting to prevent it from melting.

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 elevate your dessert experience.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the bars.
2. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream makes for a lovely topping that contrasts with the dense texture.
3. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over the bars enhances their richness and adds a decadent touch.
4. Nut Butter: A dollop of almond or peanut butter provides a protein-packed side that pairs well with bananas.
5. Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes add tropical flair and crunch when sprinkled on top or served alongside.
6. Caramel Sauce: Serve with extra caramel sauce for those who want an additional sweet drizzle on their dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly.

• Skipping Ripe Bananas: Using unripe bananas can lead to less sweetness. Always choose ripe, spotty bananas for the best flavor and texture.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can create dense bars. Mix just until combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using incorrect measurements can ruin the recipe. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
• Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold eggs and butter can affect the mixing process. Allow these ingredients to come to room temperature before using.
• Rushing the Cooling Process: Cutting the bars too soon can result in a mess. Let them cool completely before slicing for clean edges.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep bars in a single layer to avoid sticking.

Freezing Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

• Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Cut into portions before freezing for easy serving later.

Reheating Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on high for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I know when my banana bars are done?

The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well. Ensure they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

What can I use instead of butter?

You can substitute with coconut oil or margarine, but this may alter the flavor slightly.

Do I need to frost them?

Frosting is optional but highly recommended! The salted caramel buttercream adds extra flavor and moisture.

Final Thoughts

These Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even different frostings. They make for a perfect treat any time of year, so give this recipe a try!