Name: Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting); 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/3 cup caramel sauce; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes

I’ve made a lot of banana-based desserts in my baking adventures, but these Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting are something truly special. They’re rich, soft, and just the right amount of sweet — with a moist banana cake base that melts in your mouth and a dreamy, creamy salted caramel frosting that takes it over the top. Every bite feels like a warm hug, especially when shared with friends over coffee or served at family gatherings.

What I love most is how this recipe transforms overripe bananas into an irresistible treat. I always seem to have a few too-ripe bananas hanging around, and this is my favorite way to give them new life. Whether you’re baking to impress or just craving a cozy dessert, this one’s a total crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting

These banana bars are everything you want in a dessert — soft, dense, and packed with banana flavor. But it’s the salted caramel frosting that really makes them irresistible. The balance of sweet and salty is pure perfection. Plus, they’re easy to cut into squares, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or storing for later.

What Kind of Bananas Work Best?

The best bananas for this recipe are those that are very ripe — the kind with lots of brown spots. They’re sweeter, softer, and blend effortlessly into the batter, giving the bars their signature moist texture and deep banana flavor. If your bananas aren’t quite there yet, you can speed up the ripening process by putting them in a paper bag for a day or two.

Options for Substitutions

Want to mix things up or adapt the recipe to what you have on hand?

Swap the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-packed alternative.
Use brown butter in the frosting for an extra nutty flavor.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a bit of crunch.
Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and dairy-free yogurt or sour cream.

Ingredients for this Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting Recipe

Ripe Bananas – These are the foundation of the flavor and moisture in the bars. The riper, the better.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with the structure.
Brown Sugar – Adds a depth of flavor with a hint of molasses.
Butter – Used for both the batter and the frosting, it provides richness and softness.
Eggs – Give the bars structure and stability.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the banana flavor and complements the caramel notes.
Sour Cream – Keeps the bars moist and tender.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the bars.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Help the bars rise perfectly without being too cakey.
Salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
Powdered Sugar – Essential for a smooth and creamy frosting.
Caramel Sauce – The star of the frosting, providing that luxurious salted caramel flavor.
Sea Salt – A pinch of flaky sea salt on top enhances the caramel’s complexity.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal and perfect edges.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas, mixing until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving you a consistent rise.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Stir just until combined. Fold in the sour cream, which will keep the bars extra moist and tender.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar. Stir in the caramel sauce and beat until smooth and fluffy. Adjust the thickness with a splash of milk if needed.

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Once the bars are completely cool, spread the salted caramel frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes for a beautiful finish and a burst of flavor in every bite.

How Long to Prepare the Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting

Making these banana bars is a fairly simple process and can be done in just over an hour from start to finish.

Preparation Time: Most of your time will be spent prepping the ingredients — mashing bananas, creaming butter and sugar, and mixing the batter. This usually takes around 20 minutes. Preheating the oven and preparing the baking dish can be done while working on the batter.

Baking and Cooling Time: The bars bake for about 25–30 minutes, and it’s important to let them cool completely (around 20–30 minutes more) before frosting. The frosting itself only takes 5–10 minutes to prepare.

Tips for Perfect Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting

Use very ripe bananas — they mash easily and have the sweetest flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour to avoid a dense texture.
Let the bars cool completely before applying frosting so it doesn’t melt.
Use high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor.
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a gourmet touch and balances the sweetness.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using underripe bananas — they lack the moisture and sweetness needed.
Skipping parchment paper — this makes it harder to remove the bars cleanly.
Overbaking — check at 25 minutes; if overbaked, the bars will be dry.
Not measuring flour correctly — too much flour can make the bars heavy.
Frosting too early — even a slightly warm bar can melt your beautiful frosting.

What to Serve With Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting?

1. Fresh Berries

The tartness of raspberries or strawberries balances the sweetness of the bars beautifully.

2. A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

Warm bars paired with a cold scoop take this dessert to another level.

3. Hot Coffee or Espresso

The richness of coffee enhances the caramel and banana flavors.

4. Whipped Cream with Cinnamon

A dollop of lightly spiced whipped cream adds a lovely airy touch.

5. Salted Nuts

A small handful of roasted pecans or walnuts adds crunch and contrast.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: You can store the frosted bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, though the frosting may soften slightly.

Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days. The frosting will firm up but still taste amazing. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezer: These bars freeze very well. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or a few hours on the counter.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 16 bars):

Calories: ~290
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 160mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How ripe should the bananas be?

Extremely ripe with lots of brown spots. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the bars a day ahead and frost them just before serving. They actually taste better the next day.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely. Just go for a high-quality one for the best flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Do I have to use sea salt on top?

No, but it adds a wonderful contrast to the sweetness. You can leave it off or use a very light sprinkle if you prefer.

Conclusion

Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting are one of those desserts that surprise people with just how delicious they are. Soft, rich, and topped with the most luscious caramel frosting, they’re the kind of treat that vanishes quickly at any gathering. Perfect for using up ripe bananas, they strike the perfect balance between indulgent and comforting. Try them once, and they just might become your new go-to banana dessert.