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Close-up of ooey gooey banana bars topped with salted caramel, served on a rustic plate.
Alyssa

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Sweet and moist dessert bars loaded with bananas and frosted with homemade salted caramel buttercream.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 32 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 12 people
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 680
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 ripe bananas (mashed, some chunks are okay (about ⅔ cup))
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar (sifted)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ cup caramel topping
  • 1 ½ teaspoons whole milk (as needed)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, combine the butter and brown sugar.
  3. On low speed, add the vanilla and mix until incorporated.
  4. Add the eggs, mixing on low until incorporated.
  5. Add the flour and the salt, mixing well.
  6. Fold in the mashed bananas.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 32-36 minutes, or until the center is set.
  8. Let the bars cool as you prepare the buttercream frosting.
  9. Combine the butter, sugar, salt, and caramel topping in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
  10. Start mixing on low speed until the sugar is incorporated with the butter.
  11. Increase the mixing speed to high and beat until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  12. Adjust the consistency with milk as needed.
  13. Frost the banana bars with the buttercream after they have cooled completely.

Notes

These bars are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container.