Banana Caramel Crumb Bars

Name: Banana Caramel Crumb Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup caramel sauce; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 egg, beaten

Highlighted under: Sweet Bakes

Delight in these delicious Banana Caramel Crumb Bars, a perfect combination of sweet bananas and rich caramel, all wrapped in a buttery crumb crust.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-02T21:47:28.392Z

These Banana Caramel Crumb Bars are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet cravings. The combination of ripe bananas and luscious caramel creates a flavor explosion in every bite, while the crumbly topping adds a delightful texture.

        Why You'll Love These Banana Caramel Crumb Bars
        Sweet, ripe bananas blended with rich caramel
Crunchy crumb topping that adds texture and flavor
Easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family

      

The Perfect Sweet Treat

Banana Caramel Crumb Bars are an irresistible dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, gooey goodness of caramel. This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion, be it a family gathering, a picnic, or simply an afternoon snack with coffee. The balance of flavors makes each bite a harmonious experience, leaving you craving more.

What sets these bars apart is their buttery crumb crust, which not only provides a satisfying crunch but also serves as the ideal base for the creamy banana-caramel filling. This textural contrast elevates the dessert, making it an exciting addition to your dessert repertoire.

Easy to Make and Share

One of the best aspects of these Banana Caramel Crumb Bars is their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. The straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, you'll find joy in creating these delicious bars.

Once baked, these bars are easy to cut and serve, making them a fantastic option for sharing with friends and family. Their portable nature means you can easily take them to potlucks, barbecues, or bake sales, ensuring that everyone gets to enjoy a taste of this delightful treat.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Storing your Banana Caramel Crumb Bars is simple. Once cooled, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

When serving, consider pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the dessert experience. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top adds an indulgent touch that will impress your guests and make this treat even more decadent.

Ingredients

For the Base and Topping

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the Filling

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg, beaten

Combine all ingredients thoroughly for the best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.

Make the Crumb Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, softened butter, salt, and baking powder. Mix until crumbly.

Prepare the Filling

In another bowl, mix mashed bananas, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and beaten egg until well combined.

Assemble the Bars

Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the banana-caramel filling over the top, then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.

Enjoy your delicious Banana Caramel Crumb Bars!

Nutritional Benefits

While these Banana Caramel Crumb Bars are undeniably a treat, they also offer some nutritional benefits. Bananas are a great source of potassium and dietary fiber, contributing to your overall health. The rolled oats in the crumb mixture add whole grains to the recipe, making it a more wholesome option compared to traditional dessert bars.

By incorporating simple, natural ingredients, you can enjoy a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides some nutritional value. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as the caramel sauce can add extra sugar to the mix.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to make these Banana Caramel Crumb Bars your own by adding mix-ins or variations. For a nutty flavor, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the banana-caramel filling. Chocolate chips can also be a delightful addition, creating a banana-chocolate-caramel trifecta that will surely please any dessert lover.

If you're looking to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar-free caramel sauce or reducing the amount of brown sugar in the crumb mixture. Experimenting with these variations allows you to create a version that suits your taste preferences while still enjoying the delightful essence of the original recipe.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mashing.

→ How do I store the bars?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Certainly! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

→ What can I substitute for caramel sauce?

You can use homemade caramel or dulce de leche as a substitute.