Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, look no further than these Ooey Gooey Banana Bars. These sweet and moist bars are packed with ripe bananas and topped with dreamy homemade salted caramel buttercream. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick treat or for family gatherings where everyone will be reaching for seconds!

What makes this recipe so special is its comforting flavor and the simplicity of making it. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create something that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me, once you try these delightful bars, they’ll become a regular in your dessert rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: You only need about 10 minutes to whip up the batter before baking!
• Family-Friendly Delight: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet banana flavor and creamy frosting.
• Make-Ahead Goodness: Bake a batch ahead of time, and enjoy them throughout the week.
• Deliciously Indulgent: The combination of banana and salted caramel takes comfort food to a whole new level.
• Flexible Ingredients: You can easily adjust components to suit your taste or pantry items.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients will make your kitchen smell amazing! Here’s what you need to make your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars:

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)

Variations

The beauty of Ooey Gooey Banana Bars lies in their flexibility! Feel free to get creative with some fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Stir in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to give them an extra indulgent twist.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor profile.
• Fruit Twist: Substitute bananas with other mashed fruits like applesauce or pureed strawberries for a unique twist.

How to Make Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and turn out perfectly fluffy.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar until well blended. Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until smooth. This step is important because it helps create that delicious gooey texture we love!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Gradually add this mixture into your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; don’t overmix! The key to tender bars is leaving some lumps from the bananas.

Step 4: Fold in Bananas

Gently fold in the mashed bananas. Some chunks of banana are perfectly fine—these will create delightful pockets of banana goodness throughout your bars.

Step 5: Bake!

Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be heavenly!

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While your bars cool down, prepare the frosting by beating room temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and salt while mixing well. Drizzle in caramel topping for that salted caramel goodness! If needed, add whole milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost & Serve

Once cooled, spread that luscious frosting over your bars generously. Cut into squares and serve to eager friends or family—you’re going to be their hero today!

Enjoy every bite of these delicious Ooey Gooey Banana Bars!

Pro Tips for Making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Baking these delightful bars is a breeze, and with a few handy tips, you can make them even more scrumptious!

• Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas that are speckled with brown spots for the best taste.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold the ingredients together just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of the light and gooey texture we love.
• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bars in the last few minutes of baking. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter.
• Let them cool completely: Allowing your banana bars to cool before frosting helps prevent the buttercream from melting right off. It also enhances the overall flavor!
• Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for a week. This keeps them fresh and delicious!

How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

These Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dessert or a special gathering. Presenting them beautifully can make all the difference!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans adds a nice crunch and complements the soft texture of the bars beautifully.
• Fresh banana slices: Layering some fresh banana slices on top gives a lovely touch, enhancing both presentation and flavor.
• Drizzle of caramel sauce: A light drizzle of extra caramel sauce not only makes them look irresistible but also adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy vanilla flavor pairs wonderfully with warm banana bars, creating a delightful contrast in textures.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream offers a dairy-free option that’s rich and fluffy, complementing the gooeyness perfectly.
• Mixed berry salad: A refreshing mixed berry salad provides a tart balance to the sweetness of the bars. The juicy berries brighten up every bite!
• Coffee or tea: Serving these bars alongside a cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for a comforting dessert experience. The warmth of your beverage enhances the flavors beautifully.

Now you’re ready to bake and serve these delicious Ooey Gooey Banana Bars with confidence! Enjoy sharing them with family and friends—there’s nothing quite like homemade goodness!

Make Ahead and Storage

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are perfect for meal prep, making them a delightful treat you can enjoy throughout the week. Whether you’re packing them for lunch or serving them at a gathering, they stay fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Cut the bars into squares and let them cool entirely.
• Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Store wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Label with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a few hours.
• To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and warm for 10-15 seconds or until just heated through.
• Alternatively, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed.

FAQs

Got questions about making Ooey Gooey Banana Bars? We’ve got answers!

Can I substitute another fruit for bananas in Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?

While bananas give these bars their signature flavor and texture, you could experiment with other fruits like applesauce or pureed pumpkin. However, this may alter the final taste and consistency.

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

The bars are ready when they are golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Remember, they will continue to set as they cool!

Can I make Ooey Gooey Banana Bars gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

What is the best way to serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars?

They are delicious served warm with an extra drizzle of caramel topping on top. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream if you’re looking for something extra indulgent!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making these Ooey Gooey Banana Bars as I do! They’re not only irresistibly sweet and moist but also incredibly versatile. Enjoy every bite, whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them solo. Happy baking!