Ooey Gooey Banana Bars Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a treat that’s as comforting as a warm hug! These Ooey Gooey Banana Bars combine irresistible banana flavor with a plush, melt-in-your-mouth blondie texture, all crowned with a swirl of salted caramel buttercream. Every bite brings a dreamy mix of cozy banana bread vibes and rich caramel sweetness, making them the ultimate solution for overripe bananas or whenever you’re craving something nostalgic yet decadent. Trust me, once you make a pan of Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Ooey Gooey Banana Bars lies in just how familiar and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays an important role—whether it’s creating plush chewiness, adding a pop of flavor, or lending that signature rich hue and aroma. Here’s what you’ll need (with a few handy tips thrown in)!

• Unsalted Butter (melted): Melting the butter gives these bars their soft, almost fudgy texture—pure bliss in every bite.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds deep, caramelly undertones and keeps the bars moist and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a spoonful elevates the flavor and brings warmth to the banana notes.
• Large Eggs (room temperature): Eggs bind the bars, adding structure while staying tender.
• All-Purpose Flour: The classic base that gives the bars substance without weighing them down.
• Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and highlights the other flavors.
• Ripe Bananas (mashed, some chunks): The star! Overripe bananas bring natural sweetness and luscious moisture—don’t mash them too finely for pockets of banana joy.
• More Unsalted Butter (for buttercream): Start with room-temperature butter for a smooth, creamy frosting.
• Confectioners’ Sugar (sifted): Sifting ensures the buttercream is silky, not gritty.
• More Kosher Salt: A half teaspoon tames the sweetness and gives the buttercream that irresistible salty edge.
• Caramel Topping: Think thick, pourable caramel—this infuses the frosting with gooey, luxurious flavor.
• Whole Milk (as needed): Just a splash helps achieve creamy, spreadable perfection.

How to Make Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting a little hang over the sides—this makes removal (and slicing those gorgeously gooey bars) a breeze. A good lining also keeps the bars ultra tender, as nothing overbakes or sticks to the edges.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Brown Sugar

In a large bowl, grab your hand mixer and blend the melted butter with the brown sugar until everything is beautifully creamy and slightly fluffy. This step is where the magic begins: the butter and sugar combination forms the fudgy backbone for your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars!

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Eggs

With the mixer on low, pour in the vanilla extract, letting it whisk its warmth through every bit of the batter. Next, crack in your eggs, one at a time, mixing on low until the batter is glossy and fully combined—don’t rush this, as it gives the bars their signature plush bakery texture.

Step 4: Blend in Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in your flour and salt. Mix until just combined; you want everything cohesive, but don’t over-mix or risk losing that irresistible gooeyness! The batter will look thick but inviting.

Step 5: Fold in the Bananas

Now’s the moment for your ripe bananas to shine. Fold in the mashed bananas gently with a spatula. If you left a few chunky bits, you’ll spot golden pockets of fruit in every bite, adding extra bursts of banana flavor and lovely little surprises of softness.

Step 6: Bake!

Pour your banana-laden batter into the lined pan and even out the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the center is just set. Remember, you want these to stay ooey and gooey, so don’t overbake—better to err on the soft side!

Step 7: Cool Completely

Once baked, allow your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars to cool in the pan. This patience pays off—the bars firm up just enough for clean slices without losing their iconic soft, gooey texture.

Step 8: Prepare Salted Caramel Buttercream

While the bars cool, it’s buttercream time! In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine softened butter, sifted confectioners’ sugar, a sprinkle of salt, and that heavenly caramel topping. Start on low speed (to avoid a sugar blizzard!), then crank it up to high and let the frosting whip until it’s smooth, fluffy, and pale caramel in color. Add milk as needed for dreamy spreadability.

Step 9: Frost Your Bars

Once the bars are fully cooled, slather them with a thick, even layer of the salted caramel buttercream. Use an offset spatula for those beautiful, swooping swirls—or go rustic with the back of a spoon. Now they’re ready for slicing (and devouring)!

How to Serve Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Garnishes

For a presentation that matches how incredible these bars taste, try finishing with a sprinkling of flaky sea salt on top of the buttercream, a light dusting of cinnamon, or even a gentle drizzle of extra caramel. Each garnish adds its own little flair—sparkly salt highlights the sweetness, while cinnamon brings cozy warmth.

Side Dishes

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are exceedingly rich, so they shine next to something cool and refreshing. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is classic, but a dollop of tart crème fraîche or a light Greek yogurt is equally delightful. For a party, try a platter with fresh berries or citrus segments to balance the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re aiming to wow, cut your Ooey Gooey Banana Bars into fun shapes (think hearts or stars) with cookie cutters, or layer them parfait-style in individual jars with fresh banana slices and an extra swirl of buttercream. You can even break the bars into chunks and use them as an over-the-top sundae topping for a showstopping dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Ooey Gooey Banana Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’ve frosted the entire pan, they’ll stay soft and luscious—just make sure the container is well-sealed to keep the buttercream fresh and prevent the bars from drying out.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Before frosting, slice them into bars and freeze on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to three months. For frosted bars, chill them on a tray until the frosting is firm, then wrap and freeze as above. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy these bars warm and gooey (without melting the buttercream), pop an unfrosted slice in the microwave for just 10 seconds. If your bars are frosted, let them return to room temperature naturally for the best texture. A quick warm-up releases the banana aroma and makes every bite extra dreamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen bananas completely and drain off any excess liquid before folding them into the batter. The result will be just as moist and flavorful, making it a great way to cut down on food waste.

How ripe should my bananas be?

For that deep, sweet banana flavor that typifies Ooey Gooey Banana Bars, use bananas that are heavily speckled or nearly black—the riper, the better! The sugars concentrate as they age, which means a more luscious, aromatic bar.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. The texture will stay incredibly moist and gooey, so everyone can enjoy them regardless of dietary needs.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

If you want to feed a big group, you can definitely double the recipe and bake it in two pans, or use a larger baking dish (adjusting the bake time as needed). These bars are always a party hit and disappear fast!

Do I have to frost the bars?

While the salted caramel buttercream sends these bars over the top, you can skip it or dust the bars with confectioners’ sugar for a simpler treat. That said, the buttercream is easy to make and worth every single swipe!

Final Thoughts

I promise, the moment you cut into your first pan of Ooey Gooey Banana Bars and taste that rich, banana-laden crumb under a cloud of caramel frosting, you’ll know you’ve found a lifelong favorite. Give them a try—you’ll be searching for ripe bananas on your counter just so you can bake them again!

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