Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting

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Moist, flavorful, and topped with a dreamy salted caramel glaze, these Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting are the kind of treat that disappears before you even think about seconds. They strike the perfect balance of rich and comforting, without being overly sweet. Whether you’re trying to use up ripe bananas or just craving something indulgent, these bars hit the spot.

The tender banana base is dense like a blondie but soft enough to melt in your mouth, and the salted caramel frosting? It’s luscious, buttery, and just a little bit salty to keep you coming back for another bite. These bars make a lovely finish to a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing addition to a dessert table.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To pull off this recipe flawlessly, you’ll want a few key tools that make all the difference in achieving the ideal texture and finish.

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: This ensures your batter is silky smooth and well-mixed, which helps create an even crumb and consistent rise.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: The perfect size to give your bars the right thickness while baking evenly.
• Offset Spatula or Butter Knife: Helps spread the salted caramel frosting smoothly and evenly over the surface of the cooled bars.
• Whisk: A sturdy whisk is essential for making the salted caramel frosting smooth and lump-free.
• Medium Saucepan: Needed for cooking the caramel frosting; even heat distribution helps prevent burning or scorching.

These tools keep things simple but effective, ensuring each step of the process is smooth and stress-free.

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Ingredients for the Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting

Each ingredient here plays a key role in bringing out the warm, rich flavor and moist texture that makes these banana bars unforgettable.

• Ripe Bananas: The star of the show! Overripe bananas bring sweetness and moisture to the bars.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps with structure.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: This duo adds depth, sweetness, and a soft chew. Brown sugar also enhances the caramel flavor.
• Eggs: Essential for structure and binding everything together.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the banana flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure for the bars.
• Baking Soda & Salt: Baking soda helps with lift, while salt enhances all the other flavors.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds tang and tenderness for a moist crumb.

For the frosting:

• Butter: The base of the caramel and adds buttery richness.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens the caramel flavor and creates the foundation of the frosting.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: Creates the silky texture of the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Sea Salt: Adds that irresistible salted caramel twist.

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How To Make the Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in mashed bananas and vanilla extract.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

Spread the batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Salted Caramel Frosting

In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together over medium heat. Let it bubble for 2 minutes, then whisk in cream. Remove from heat, cool slightly, then mix in powdered sugar and a pinch of sea salt.

Step 5: Frost the Bars

Spread the warm frosting over the cooled banana bars using an offset spatula. Let it set slightly before slicing.

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How to Serve and Store Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting

Serve these bars slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. The frosting firms up into a luscious layer that complements the soft, banana-rich base beautifully. These are ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or an after-dinner dessert when you’re short on time but want big flavor.

To store, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. If stacking the bars, place parchment paper between layers to keep the frosting intact. You can also freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

The riper, the better! Bananas that are deeply speckled or nearly black are perfect. They add maximum sweetness and moisture.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt is a great substitute and still delivers a tender, moist crumb.

Is the salted caramel frosting very salty?

Not at all. The pinch of sea salt enhances the caramel flavor without overpowering the sweetness.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars actually taste better after resting a day, as the flavors meld together. Just refrigerate and slice when ready.

What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?

You can use two 8×8-inch pans or one slightly larger pan—just keep an eye on the baking time and adjust as needed.

Can I double the frosting?

If you’re a frosting fanatic, go for it. The bars can handle a thicker layer without getting too rich.

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Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you’re loving these banana bars with salted caramel frosting, you’ll probably enjoy these other creative and crowd-pleasing bars:

• Easy Texas Turtle Sheet Cake for a rich chocolate-caramel experience.
• Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake if you love fruity and nostalgic flavors.
• Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake for a nutty, classic dessert with a soft bite.
• No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies when you want banana flavor without turning on the oven.
• Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge for a quick, sweet fix you can whip up fast.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add chopped nuts or maybe drizzle extra caramel on top? Maybe you swapped the frosting for cream cheese?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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