Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
If you’re on the lookout for a beloved treat that bridges the gap between snack and dessert, you can’t go wrong with these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars. They’re everything you want in a homemade bake: decadently chewy, richly speckled with pockets of melty chocolate, and bursting with that comforting banana flavor that magically lingers in the air as they bake. This recipe whips up quickly using pantry staples, and, in our house, they disappear almost as fast as they’re sliced. Whether you’re aiming to rescue those last two bananas from your fruit bowl or just craving a playful twist on classic banana bread, these bars pack a punch of flavor in every square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully easy to pull together, yet every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the signature flavor and irresistible texture of Chocolate Chip Banana Bars. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why each item matters:
- Ripe bananas: The riper, the better! They add natural sweetness, moisture, and that unbeatable banana depth to every bite.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Melted butter brings extra richness and helps the bars stay irresistibly soft and tender.
- Brown sugar (packed): This adds sweetness and a lovely hint of caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas.
- Large egg: One egg gives the bars structure and helps bind everything together.
- Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon enhances every flavor, rounding out the banana and chocolate notes.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the batter, just enough to make these bars perfectly chewy without being cakey.
- Baking powder: Lends a slight lift, making each bar just the right amount of fluffy.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the bananas for extra tenderness and helps the bars bake up golden.
- Salt: Amplifies all the other flavors and keeps everything balanced, never bland.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided): Chocolate chips are the star mix-in, with a little reserved for a pretty, chocolatey top!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are. Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang if you want to easily lift out the bars later. This simple step ensures that your Chocolate Chip Banana Bars release cleanly and look bakery-perfect when sliced.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until they’re as smooth as possible. A few small lumps are just fine and actually add a lovely rustic touch to the final bars. The banana is the flavor powerhouse here, so don’t be shy about mashing well.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Stir the melted butter and brown sugar into your mashed bananas, mixing until everything is thoroughly combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating lightly until the mixture is glossy and unified. This step lays the soft, flavorful foundation for your bars.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Making sure your dry ingredients are evenly blended at this stage helps prevent any unpleasant bites of baking soda or pockets of flour later on.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, being careful not to overmix. You’re aiming for just combined, which keeps the Chocolate Chip Banana Bars tender and moist. Gently stir in 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips—save the rest for topping!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spread the luscious batter evenly into your prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top for that swoon-worthy bakery look. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely in the pan before slicing into generous bars.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Garnishes
Once your Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are cool and ready, you can take them up a notch with some fun garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar looks elegant, or you can drizzle a bit of melted chocolate on top for extra decadence. If you like nuts, a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans will bring welcome crunch and a hint of earthiness.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with all sorts of sides. For a special brunch spread, serve with a bowl of vanilla Greek yogurt and a handful of fresh berries. They also make a comforting dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot coffee. Honestly, they’re perfectly scrumptious solo, too!
Creative Ways to Present
I love slicing these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars into mini squares for party platters or dessert buffets—perfect for grabbing and going. Stack them in pretty cellophane bags as sweet gifts for neighbors or friends. For a playful treat, try topping each bar with a dollop of whipped cream and a few extra chocolate chips.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chocolate Chip Banana Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay soft and moist, making them great for snacking all week. If your kitchen is especially warm, you may want to store them in the fridge to keep the chocolate from getting melty.
Freezing
These bars freeze like a dream! Arrange the cooled bars in a single layer (or stacked with parchment between layers) in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up or snack on the go.
Reheating
Want to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven warmth? Pop an individual Chocolate Chip Banana Bar into the microwave for just 10–15 seconds. The chocolate will get a little gooey, and the banana flavor becomes even more pronounced—it’s honestly irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely! Let your frozen bananas thaw completely, then drain off any excess liquid before mashing. They work beautifully in Chocolate Chip Banana Bars, making them a great way to use up bananas stashed in your freezer.
Can I add nuts to these bars?
Yes! Stir in up to 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans when you add the chocolate chips. The nuts add delicious crunch and a nutty undertone that pairs wonderfully with the banana and chocolate flavors.
Are these bars gluten-free?
The recipe as written is not gluten-free, but you can absolutely substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just be sure to check that your chocolate chips are certified gluten-free as well.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Start checking around the 25-minute mark. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. They’ll set up further as they cool.
Can I make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars vegan?
You bet! Substitute the melted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, and swap the egg for a flax egg or your favorite egg replacer. Don’t forget to use dairy-free chocolate chips. The recipe is very forgiving and still turns out deliciously moist and tender.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a surefire crowd-pleaser or simply want to treat yourself to a cozy, homemade snack, you absolutely need to give these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars a try. They’re easy, comforting, and always disappear faster than you’d expect. Don’t be surprised if they become a new go-to in your kitchen—they sure are in mine!
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Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Chocolate Chip Banana Bars that strike the perfect balance between the sweetness of bananas and the richness of chocolate chips. These bars are easy to make and great for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare pan: Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix bananas and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, mash bananas, and mix in melted butter and brown sugar.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. Fold in 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips.
- Bake: Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan, sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top, and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Cool and slice: Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- These bars can also be made with whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
