If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that perfectly balances rich, buttery sweetness with the natural, comforting flavor of bananas, then this Ooey Gooey Banana Bars Recipe is calling your name. These bars are irresistibly soft and moist, boasting a luscious texture that melts in your mouth, enhanced by a salted caramel frosting that adds just the right touch of indulgence. Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a cozy afternoon treat, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable, crowd-pleasing delight that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Ooey Gooey Banana Bars Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes these bars genuinely stand out.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds rich moisture and a tender crumb to the bars.
- 2 cups brown sugar: Brings a deep caramel sweetness that complements the bananas beautifully.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Provides structure and a soft, cohesive texture.
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed): Infuses natural sweetness and moisture, making the bars delightfully soft.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base, giving the bars their perfect density without heaviness.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Salted caramel for frosting: Adds a luxurious, creamy finish that elevates the whole dessert.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Banana Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure your banana bars come out clean and intact. This sets the stage for baking perfection and keeps the dough from sticking during the magic-making process.
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter with the brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to blend them until smooth and velvety. This step is key for creating that rich, deeply sweet foundation that makes these bars ooey gooey in all the right ways.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Flavor
Next, add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract. Incorporating the eggs slowly ensures a smooth, cohesive batter. The eggs give structure and moisture, while the vanilla adds a subtle warmth that complements the bananas beautifully.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Bananas
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and kosher salt until just combined to avoid overworking the batter. Then, gently fold in the mashed bananas, which add luscious moisture and a natural sweetness, giving the bars their famously soft, tender crumb.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This baking time allows the edges to develop a slight crust while keeping the interior wonderfully moist and gooey.
Step 6: Frost with Salted Caramel
Once the bars are completely cool, generously spread the salted caramel frosting on top. This final touch adds a decadent, creamy sweetness with just a hint of salt, perfectly enhancing every bite of this Ooey Gooey Banana Bars Recipe.
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your banana bars visually and flavor-wise, consider sprinkling some toasted chopped nuts or a little flaky sea salt on top of the salted caramel frosting. Fresh banana slices or a dusting of cinnamon also add charm and a pop of freshness that makes each bite pop.
Side Dishes
These bars shine on their own but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can create an amazing dessert experience. For a more wholesome contrast, a fresh berry salad or even a simple cup of hot coffee complements the bars’ richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bars on a rustic wooden board for a homey feel, or cut into smaller squares and arrange them neatly on a dessert platter for a party. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes for irresistible gift-worthy treats, perfect for sharing your love of this Ooey Gooey Banana Bars Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the texture moist and the flavor vibrant so you can enjoy that ooey gooey goodness well beyond the first day.
Freezing
If you want to savor this Ooey Gooey Banana Bars Recipe even later, freeze the uncut bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy these bars again, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes to bring back a soft, warm experience like fresh from the oven. Top again with a little fresh caramel or cream for that just-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually preferred for their intense sweetness and moisture, which contribute to the ooey gooey texture of these bars.
Is it necessary to use salted caramel frosting?
While salted caramel frosting adds a luxurious finish, you can substitute it with cream cheese frosting or even a simple powdered sugar glaze if you prefer a lighter touch.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking, you can enjoy these bars without compromising their texture or flavor.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these banana bars stay fresh for about three days, but refrigeration can extend that to around a week.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or semi-sweet chocolate chips before baking adds delightful texture and flavor variations, making this recipe even more versatile.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and joyful about a batch of moist, flavorful banana bars, and this Ooey Gooey Banana Bars Recipe truly hits that nostalgic sweet spot. It’s an inviting dessert that’s simple enough for everyday baking but special enough to make any occasion memorable. I can’t wait for you to try it and share that cozy, melt-in-your-mouth happiness with your friends and family!
Print
Ooey Gooey Banana Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously moist and rich Ooey Gooey Banana Bars made with ripe bananas, brown sugar, and a buttery base, topped with a luscious salted caramel frosting. Perfect for a sweet treat or dessert that combines banana bread flavors with a decadent caramel twist.
Ingredients
Bar Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Frosting
- Salted caramel for frosting (quantity as desired)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition along with the vanilla extract to incorporate flavor evenly.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Bananas: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt to the wet mixture, gently mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the batter. Once incorporated, carefully fold in the mashed ripe bananas to maintain the batter’s light texture and infuse a moist banana flavor.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Test the doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Frost: After baking, allow the banana bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, generously spread or drizzle salted caramel over the top as a luscious frosting to add a sweet and salty dimension that complements the banana flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Butter should be melted but not hot to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Cooling completely before frosting is important to prevent melting the salted caramel.
- You can adjust the amount of salted caramel to preference or substitute with cream cheese frosting for a different flavor profile.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
