Caramel Banana Bars

Caramel Banana Bars Recipe

Caramel Banana Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich, gooey sweetness of caramel with the soft, comforting flavor of ripe bananas. Perfect for dessert, a midday snack, or even breakfast, these bars are easy to make and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Let’s dive into the recipe and tips to make the perfect Caramel Banana Bars.

Ingredients:

For the Banana Bars:

• 1 cup ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas), mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Caramel Topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Banana Bars:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, and set it aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the mashed bananas, being careful not to overmix.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool in the pan.

2. Make the Caramel Topping:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low, and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the caramel thickens slightly.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
5. Let the caramel cool slightly before pouring it over the cooled banana bars.

3. Assemble and Serve:

1. Once the caramel has cooled to a spreadable consistency, pour it over the banana bars, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
2. Allow the caramel to set before slicing the bars into squares.
3. Serve at room temperature, or for an extra indulgent treat, warm the bars slightly and pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Perfect Caramel Banana Bars:

1. Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots on the peel.
2. Don’t overmix the batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bars.
3. Watch the caramel closely: Caramel can quickly go from perfect to burnt. Keep an eye on it, and stir frequently while it’s on the stove.
4. Customize your bars: Feel free to add mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a delicious twist.
5. Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Conclusion

Caramel Banana Bars are a versatile and satisfying treat that combines the best of both worlds: the natural sweetness of bananas and the rich decadence of caramel. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bars are sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or simply treating yourself, they’re a delicious way to enjoy the comforting flavors of banana and caramel.