Why You’ll Love Ooey Gooey Banana Bars Recipe

If you’re a fan of banana bread or banana-based desserts, these Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are your next go-to recipe. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for using up overripe bananas, and so satisfying with their soft and chewy texture. The gooey center adds a unique twist, setting them apart from traditional banana bread or cake. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – you can enjoy them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert at any gathering.

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Add the melted butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bananas, and mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If desired, fold in the walnuts or chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12–16 bars
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

Vegan Option: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free butter to make this recipe vegan.
Add-ins: You can add chocolate chips, walnuts, or dried fruit to the batter for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the banana bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy them warm, you can microwave the bars for 10–15 seconds, or heat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

The riper, the better! Overripe bananas are perfect because they add natural sweetness and moisture to the bars.

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them out and mash them before using in the recipe.

Can I substitute oats for something else?

If you don’t want to use oats, you can substitute with more flour or a gluten-free oat substitute if needed.

Do I need to use both white and brown sugar?

You can use all white sugar or all brown sugar, but using both creates a more complex sweetness and a softer texture in the bars.

Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts?

Yes, feel free to use any nuts you prefer, like pecans, almonds, or cashews, or omit them entirely.

Are these bars gluten-free?

The recipe as written is not gluten-free, but you can easily make it gluten-free by swapping the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Can I freeze these banana bars?

Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

How do I know when the banana bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are done.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake the next day.

Can I add frosting to the bars?

These banana bars are delicious on their own, but you could add a simple cream cheese frosting or a light glaze if you want an extra sweet touch.

Conclusion

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are the perfect treat for banana lovers, combining the comforting flavors of banana bread with the delightful texture of a gooey bar. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, dessert, or breakfast, these bars are sure to please. With easy-to-find ingredients and the option to personalize with your favorite add-ins, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your baking routine. Happy baking!

Ooey Gooey Banana Bars

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These Ooey Gooey Banana Bars are the perfect dessert for banana lovers! Moist, chewy, and packed with flavor, they’re a fun twist on classic banana bread. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat for breakfast or dessert, these bars will melt in your mouth with every bite.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 16 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the mashed bananas, sugar, and butter until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream or yogurt. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fold in mini chocolate chips if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can substitute sour cream for yogurt.
Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch!
These bars are best enjoyed when slightly warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.