Irresistible Banana Pecan Caramel Bars

Banana Pecan Caramel Bars are a perfect treat for those who crave a delightful blend of sweet, nutty, and fruity flavors. These bars offer a buttery base with a moist texture, topped with rich caramel, ripe bananas, and crunchy pecans. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these bars are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Directions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish to ensure easy release of the bars after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for later.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The sugars should dissolve into the butter, forming a creamy texture.
4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and evenly mixed.
5. Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, ensuring there are no dry streaks, but be careful not to overmix.
6. Prepare the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
7. Add Toppings: Arrange the banana slices evenly over the top of the batter. Then, sprinkle the pecan halves over the bananas. Finally, generously drizzle the caramel sauce over the bananas and pecans, ensuring even coverage across the entire surface.
8. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The bars are ready when the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes. Once cooled, slice them into squares and serve.

Tips for the Best Banana Pecan Caramel Bars

• Banana Selection: Choose ripe bananas for the best flavor. They should be soft with a few brown spots.
• Caramel Sauce: Use high-quality caramel sauce for a richer taste. You can make your own or use store-bought.
• Serving Suggestions: These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving
• Servings: Makes 12 bars

These Banana Pecan Caramel Bars are a decadent treat that combines the sweetness of bananas, the crunch of pecans, and the gooey richness of caramel. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to be a hit!