Caramel Banana Crumble Bars: A Delightful Homemade Treat
Caramel Banana Crumble Bars: A Delightful Homemade Treat
Decadent Caramel Banana Crumble Bars Recipe
Discover a delightful twist on the classic British crumble with these Caramel Banana Crumble Bars. Traditionally, crumbles feature fruits like apples, pears, or rhubarb topped with a buttery, flour, and sugar mixture resembling streusel. This recipe elevates the concept by incorporating sweet, ripe bananas and a luscious caramel glaze, creating a bar that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Enjoy the perfect harmony of a crisp crumble topping, a moist banana base, and the rich sweetness of caramelized bananas. These bars are an ideal homemade dessert, perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
Crispy Crumble Topping- 45g all-purpose flour
- 30g almond flour
- 37g cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 45g light brown sugar
Rich Caramelized Banana Filling- 2 ripe bananas, sliced about 0.6cm thick
- 10g unsalted butter
- 25g granulated sugar
Moist Banana Base- 70g unsalted butter, softened
- 40g cream cheese, softened
- 70g granulated sugar
- 70g egg (approx. 1.5 large eggs), at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ripe banana, mashed with a fork
- 150g all-purpose flour, sifted
- 3g baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced about 0.6cm thick
- 10g unsalted butter
- 25g granulated sugar
Moist Banana Base- 70g unsalted butter, softened
- 40g cream cheese, softened
- 70g granulated sugar
- 70g egg (approx. 1.5 large eggs), at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ripe banana, mashed with a fork
- 150g all-purpose flour, sifted
- 3g baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the crispy crumble topping. In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, almond flour, and light brown sugar. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the bowl.
Step 2
Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Continue mixing until the butter is well incorporated and the mixture starts to clump.
Step 3
You’re looking for a texture like wet sand, with some larger, pea-sized clumps forming. Don’t overmix; the goal is a crumbly texture. Place the prepared crumble mixture in the freezer to chill while you proceed with the other components.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the rich caramelized banana filling. Take two ripe bananas and slice them into uniform pieces, about 0.6cm thick.
Step 5
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the 25g of granulated sugar. Stir occasionally or swirl the pan to ensure even melting and prevent burning. Watch for it to turn a deep amber color.
Step 6
Once the sugar has caramelized to a rich amber hue, add the 10g of unsalted butter. Stir until the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the caramel.
Step 7
Gently add the sliced bananas to the caramel. Stir carefully to coat the banana slices without breaking them. Once coated, remove the pan from the heat and allow the caramelized bananas to cool slightly.
Step 8
Next, prepare the moist banana base. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened 70g of unsalted butter and 40g of softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. This can be done with an electric mixer or vigorously by hand with a whisk.
Step 9
Gradually add the 70g of granulated sugar and continue mixing until the mixture is light in color and has increased in volume. This creaming process incorporates air, contributing to a lighter texture.
Step 10
Add the room-temperature egg (70g, approximately 1.5 eggs) in 3 to 4 additions. Beat well after each addition to ensure the egg is fully incorporated before adding the next portion. This prevents the batter from separating.
Step 11
Continue mixing until the batter is smooth, pale, and has doubled in volume, appearing glossy. This ensures a well-emulsified and light batter.
Step 12
Stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for added fragrance. Mix just until combined.
Step 13
In a separate bowl, combine the sifted 150g of all-purpose flour, 3g of baking powder, and 1 pinch of salt. Add half of this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 14
In another small bowl, mash the remaining ripe banana (1 whole banana) with a fork until it forms a smooth puree. Aim for a consistent texture without large lumps.
Step 15
Add the mashed banana to the batter and mix gently. Once the banana is incorporated, add the remaining half of the dry ingredients. Mix again until just combined, ensuring no dry streaks remain but without overworking the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
Step 16
Line a baking pan (approximately 20×20 cm or 8×8 inches) with parchment paper or grease it lightly. Pour the banana batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly using a spatula or scraper to create a flat base.
Step 17
Arrange the cooled caramelized banana slices evenly over the batter. Finally, sprinkle the chilled crumble topping generously over the bananas. Bake in a preheated oven: 175°C (350°F) for 39-43 minutes for a conventional oven, or 170°C (340°F) for 35-37 minutes for a convection oven, until the topping is golden brown and the bars are set. Enjoy your delicious homemade Caramel Banana Crumble Bars!
