Dive into the delightful world of Salted Caramel Peanut Banana Bars, where the natural sweetness of ripe bananas merges with the rich decadence of salted caramel and the crunchy texture of peanuts. These bars are not just a treat to the taste buds but also a spectacle for the eyes, making them a fabulous addition to your dessert repertoire.
Why You'll Love This: These bars offer a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors, ensuring each bite is as satisfying as the last. The combination of moist banana bread texture with the luxuriousness of salted caramel and the crunch of peanuts creates a multi-textured experience that's hard to resist. They are easy to make, require no special ingredients, and are sure to impress with their complex flavor profile.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or as a special treat to brighten up any day. These bars are also great for holiday celebrations or as a homemade gift, offering a unique twist on traditional banana bread or peanut bars. They're sure to be a hit at children's parties as well as adult gatherings, where their sweet and salty contrast can be truly appreciated.
Decoration Tips: For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars before slicing. Sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top to enhance the salted caramel flavor and add a bit of gourmet flair. A dusting of powdered sugar could also add visual appeal and a hint of extra sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 3 very ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup oil
- 1 flax egg
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 chopped salted caramel white chocolate bar
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, plus extra for topping
Directions:
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease with oil.
- Mix the Batter:
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas with the maple syrup. Add the vanilla extract, oil, and flax egg, mixing until well combined.
- Sift in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped salted caramel white chocolate bar and peanuts.
- Bake the Bars:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle additional chopped peanuts on top for extra crunch.
- Bake for 35-37 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool in the dish before slicing into squares.
Enjoy these heavenly Salted Caramel Peanut Banana Bars, a perfect treat for any occasion that calls for a sweet and satisfying dessert!