Soft, moist, and filled with rich banana flavor, these Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting are everything you love about banana bread but in a decadent dessert bar form. Whether you have ripe bananas sitting on the counter or you’re simply craving something sweet and comforting, this recipe is your go-to for impressing a crowd or treating yourself to something special.

The salted caramel frosting takes these bars from cozy to irresistible. It creates the perfect sweet and salty balance that complements the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. The soft crumb of the bars paired with the silky, glossy frosting is a combination that melts in your mouth and leaves you reaching for just one more bite.

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

These bars are perfect for almost any occasion: bake sales, potlucks, holidays, or just because. They whip up easily in one bowl and require simple ingredients you likely already have. The frosting can be made ahead, and the bars freeze beautifully too.

Plus, it’s an ideal way to use overripe bananas that have passed their smoothie prime. The banana flavor is rich but not overpowering, and the salted caramel offers a buttery contrast that elevates each bite.

What Makes These Banana Bars So Moist?

The key to their ultra-moist texture lies in the ripe bananas themselves. The more brown spots, the better. Mashed bananas not only add flavor and natural sweetness but also keep the bars tender and soft. A bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt can also be added to boost that moisture if you’re looking for extra richness.

Ingredients for the Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting

Name: Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Ripe bananas are the heart of this recipe, but each ingredient plays a role in texture and flavor.

Ripe bananas
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Butter
Baking soda
Salt
Vanilla extract

For the frosting:

Butter
Brown sugar
Heavy cream
Powdered sugar
Sea salt

How To Make the Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting

Step 1: Mash and Mix

Start by mashing your ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth. Add the melted butter, both sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well until combined.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until the batter is just combined. Avoid overmixing so the bars stay tender.

Step 3: Bake

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

Step 4: Make the Salted Caramel Frosting

In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat until bubbling. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and whisk in powdered sugar and sea salt until smooth.

Step 5: Frost and Slice

Spread the caramel frosting over the cooled bars. Let the frosting set before slicing into squares.

How to Store and Serve Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting

These banana bars feed about 12 to 15 people, depending on how you slice them. They’re perfect chilled, at room temperature, or even slightly warmed with a scoop of ice cream.

To store, place them in an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars (without frosting) for up to 2 months and frost them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

What to Serve With Banana Bars?

Coffee or Latte

The sweetness of the bars pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or a creamy latte.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a light contrast to the richness of the frosting.

Fresh Berries

Blueberries or raspberries offer a refreshing and slightly tart side.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a square of banana bar warm with a scoop of ice cream melting on top.

Salted Nuts

A handful of roasted pecans or walnuts adds crunch and enhances the caramel notes.

Caramel Drizzle

Go all in by adding an extra drizzle of warm caramel sauce over each slice.

Spiced Chai Tea

The cinnamon and spice in chai tea complements the banana and caramel tones perfectly.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved these banana bars with salted caramel frosting, try a few of my other delicious treats:

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for a melt-in-your-mouth indulgence.
Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies when you crave that campfire nostalgia.
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies for the cinnamon sugar lovers.
4 Ingredient Banana Greek Yogurt Cheesecake if you want something lighter.
Frozen Banana Yogurt Pops for a kid-friendly frozen option.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make your caramel extra salty? Add a twist of cinnamon? I love hearing how everyone makes it their own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more sweet bakes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dessert.

Conclusion

Banana Bars with Salted Caramel Frosting bring together the warmth of ripe bananas with the indulgence of a silky caramel topping. They’re easy to bake, loved by all ages, and flexible enough for casual snacks or elegant desserts. Bake a batch and see how fast they disappear!