Oatmeal Banana Chunk Bars With Caramel Icing

valchemist's Note:

I made up this recipe a few months ago based on a couple other tried and true recipes. The bars are dense and chewy, like a good blondie. The caramel frosting isn't like gooey caramel, but rather it is like pralines.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 18

Bars

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup butter , softened
• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup diced ripe firm banana

Caramel Icing

• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar , sifted

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Grease a 13x9 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
3. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Set aside.
5. Cream the butter and brown sugar.
6. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until blended.
7. Add the flour mixture slowly, mixing just until blended.
8. Mix in the oats on low speed.
9. Gently stir in the banana by hand until just combined.
10. Spread batter in prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Put on a wire rack to cool.
12. While the bars are cooling, make caramel icing.
13. Put ¼ cup butter and ½ cup dark brown sugar in a medium saucepan and cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil.
14. Add milk and bring the mixture back to a boil.
15. Remove from heat and add confectioners' sugar.
16. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth.
17. While it is still warm pour it over the warm bars and spread to cover evenly.
18. Work quickly so the icing doesn't harden.
19. Immediately sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the icing.
20. When completely cool, cut into 18 bars.

Reviews

[Mrs. Wright]

I made two pans-one for my family and one for church. They all disappeared REALLY fast. I will be making these again-they are unique and delicious! Thank you!

[Ginger Rose]

Lovely!