Yes, it’s as much of a mouthful as it reads. The bars are somewhat a result of indecision with what to make – seems to be the theme lately. I couldn’t decide whether or not to make Banana Cream Bars or a Dulce de Leche Bar. So in keeping with the theme I just went for it and threw it all together.
Dulce de Leche Banana Bars
The result is a deliciously sweet bar with nice crisp graham cracker crust that is layered with Vanilla Oreos, mini marshmallows, fresh banana slices and some salted pecans to even out the sweetness. Melting its way in between all that is a creamy dulce de leche binder. As for the finishing top, I couldn’t help add a layer of roasted marshmallows on the top for a little smoky flavor.
These are a mouthful, but trust me when I say they are really good. I was skeptical at first that they would be too sweet. As it turned out, the first run was too sweet. I added too much dulce de leche, not enough bananas, and making it even worse, I threw in toffee bits. But I corrected the imbalance in the second run by removing the toffee bits, decreasing the dulce de leche and increasing the bananas. The adjustments worked.
Now for a total non-sequitur. . . I’m throwing in a picture of my little guy so I have this joyful image of him logged forever. Last week was a tough one for him. But then the weekend came and all that faded to bats and gloves. He couldn’t wait to start Little League, especially since his dad is the team coach and I’m the team mom (yes, we are dorks like that). I don’t know who was more excited Cole or us. Evidently we weren’t alone in this. More than half the parents stayed for the first practice and we all showed up with cameras and video equipment.
A few notes:
- For this recipe I used store bought dulce de leche. I was lazy, but when I’m not lazy I make my own. Click here for a step-by-step tutorial to making homemade dulce de leche.
- Use ripe but firm bananas.
- Keep a careful eye when roasting the marshmallows in the broiler as they go from golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. The time listed in the recipe is a guide, so make sure to open the broiler door and check marshmallows every thirty seconds.
- For easy cutting, refrigerate the bars first so they are nice and firm prior to slicing. For a little added help, lightly cover the knife with bake spray.
Dulce de Leche Banana Bars
Makes one 8×8 pan | Create a foil sling and cover it with bake spray.
Ingredients:
- 18 whole graham crackers, processed to a fine crumb, about 2 ½ cups
- 12 tablespoons of butter, melted
- 1 cup salted pecans, coarsely chopped
- 20 Vanilla Oreos, coarsely chopped
- 3 bananas, sliced
- 21 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 ½ cans)
- 13.4 oz dulce de leche (1 can)
Instructions:
- Place graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl and mix to combine. Transfer crumbs to foil lined pan and firmly press into bottom. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
- Layer chopped Vanilla Oreos, salted pecans and sliced bananas on graham cracker crumb.
- Place sweetened condensed milk and dulce de leche in a heatproof bowl and microwave until mixture is warm enough to fully combine with a whisk. Pour dulce de leche mixture over layers and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
- Sprinkle marshmallows on top and place pan under the broiler. Remove from broiler and let cool completely then refrigerate for 30-45 minutes before cutting to serve.
Whoa. These bars look insane!! Love this idea!
They look incredible!
These look crazy good and your son is such a cutie!
Naomi these are beyond amazing!! The recipe itself, the layers, the marshmallows, the bananas in them, the Oreos and graham crackers; the photography which is spectacular. You AMAZE ME!
I was going to comment on the banana bars and their gloriousness, but instead, I got distracted by a handsome young MAN in a super cute little league outfit! So cute, Naomi!
I just died.
Seriously girl, you kill me! These are gorgeous!
These are ridiculously gorgeous and gooey… but ummm how CUTE is that last picture!! Adorable!
OH MY GOODNESS your little one is Soooooo adorable! Makes me want my first child right now! hahaha WAIT what?! naaaah I still have a long way to go. 😉 But these bars look so amazing! How is it that you bake and write posts on exactly what I want to eat that very moment?!! 🙂 You’ve got a very good knack for that Naomi, hehe.
Yum!! Love that first overhead shot.
Regan-I love your comment! Do you guys miss it? And, um, the microwave is a great thing!!! 🙂
The first photo is great! Love the bars, mouthwatering!
You did it again, gorgeous styling!! You never cease to wow with your photography and your beautiful desserts.
oh first LOOOVE this recipe and photos………but sorry Naomi, that picture of Cole has it all beat! ♥ he’s adorable!!
Looks yummy! Reminds me a bit of a banoffee pie. 🙂
Must make-in the very near future. Oh wow, these look incredible.
Your son is a cutie. I think it’s adorable that he has such a big smile on his face while running.
As always beautiful work Naomi. Dulche de leche is my weakness and so is banana in desserts!
These look incredible!!! Banana, dulche de leche…what is not to love!
One word. Amazing!
This is what dreams are made of. I’m salvating!
oh my this is gorgeous
Dulce de leche and bananas are always a winning a combination.
….hgjkghdjhkd Oh my goodness Naomi!! Your little boy is so adorable! He is almost the spitting image of my little nephew who lives far away from me so that image brought a little tear to my eye. If this can possibly be the same said little boy who had a rain cloud brought in over his head recently, then I think that your trip through whatever troubles may have come your way will be made a little bit easier. What a joyous and handsome little man.
And I’m usually way to shy to post but since I’m here, I’ve gotta admit that I have spent many an hour just looking through your archives. I lovvvve your recipes. And pictures. They all look so yummable.
Best of luck with your boy!
xoxo
– Eve
I love anything dulce de leche and I love it combined with bananas – these bars are right up my alley! Delicious!
Wow these look incredible! Great recipe. Love the little marshmallows on top! Very cute!
Wow! What’s not to love about these bars! I love every ingredient from the graham cracker crust to the dulce de leche! And how fun to incorporate some Golden Oreos into the mix!
Every layer is as flavorful as the other…What a magnificent combination! This is a winning treat.
Wonderful! Shared on my blog with credit back to you : )
Holy Mother of God.
Does Cole want a big sister? You can adopt me, I’d be ok with that. Good night you make the best desserts!
Holy mamba jamba! Seriously, that’s all I can say about this! (also, wow)
Wow, these look absolutely amazing! A mouthful indeed!
Hi Naomi!
Thanks for stopping by my blog today! What a nice surprise!
I love your blog! I’m a much better baker than I am a cook (as my kids will attest to!) For some reason, I hate cooking but I LOVE baking ~
See you on the baseball field 🙂
Katrina
This looks so good. Kinda like a banoffee pie. LOVE!
These sound SO easy and yummy! I can’t wait to make them 🙂
THESE ARE GORGEOUS!!!!
Oh these look freakin’ amazing ! I cannot wait to try this recipe! My favorite cake is Dulce de Leche so I can only imagine how this tastes!
These are gorgeous! I love the pictures on your blog, and you are right, blogging is very pricey!
i haven’t taste this crisp sweet bar but it is look so delicious…..yummy…
Wow. Those look dlociieus! At least you won’t have to make too many if they are really rich, one should do the trick. Oatmeal cookies are my favorite!
Note to self: don’t look at Bakers’ Royale when dieting! These look FAB and easy, too. I love dulce de leche and have a can in the pantry. Could prove deadly.