Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

Introduction

These delicious chocolate chip banana bars are a perfect blend of moist banana flavor and sweet chocolate chips. Easy to make and quick to bake, they make an ideal snack or dessert for any time of day.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour until evenly mixed.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts if using.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into bars and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use very ripe bananas for enhanced sweetness and moisture.
• Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different flavor.
• Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist.
• For a nut-free version, omit the nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.

Storage

Store the banana bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well. Thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid a runny batter.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative?

Absolutely. Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but note that the texture may vary slightly.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.5 from 103 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a moist and flavorful treat, combining ripe bananas with melted butter and rich semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfect as a snack or dessert, these bars are easy to make and bake to a golden perfection with a soft, chewy texture and sweet bursts of chocolate.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Add-ins

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and mix until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour until evenly blended to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender. Then fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×9-inch baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice them into squares and serve as a delicious snack or dessert.

Notes

• Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and flavor.
• You can substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips if preferred.
• For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: banana bars, chocolate chip bars, banana dessert, easy baking recipe, chocolate banana bars, snack bars, homemade dessert