The Perfect Banana Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe: Sweet Treats Made Easy

Creamy bananas dance delightfully with rich chocolate chips in these irresistible bars that promise pure comfort.

Sweet memories flood back with each delectable bite.

Ripe fruit blends seamlessly into a soft, tender base that melts in your mouth.

Comfort comes wrapped in a simple, nostalgic package that feels like a warm hug.

Kids and adults alike will swoon over this effortless treat.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation mean you can satisfy your craving in no time.

Pack these bars for school lunches or enjoy them as an afternoon pick-me-up that’ll make anyone smile.

Why Banana Chocolate Chip Bars Hit the Sweet Spot

• Quick Comfort Treat: Whip up these bars in under an hour with straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients. No complicated techniques or special equipment needed, ensuring a stress-free baking experience.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, school events, or casual weekend treats. The classic combination of banana and chocolate appeals to both kids and adults, making them a universally loved dessert option.
• Adaptable Snack Solution: Easily pack these bars for lunchboxes, picnics, or afternoon snacks. Their portable nature and balanced sweetness make them a convenient and satisfying option for various occasions.

Banana Chocolate Chip Bar Ingredients

• Butter: Soft and creamy base for rich flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Sweet and caramel-like ingredient.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm and comforting flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Classic baking foundation for texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste.

• Bananas, Chocolate Chips: Sweet mix of fruity and chocolatey goodness.

Baking Directions for Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F.

Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.

Give the paper a quick spray of nonstick goodness to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Whip Up Butter And Sugar

Grab a mixing bowl and beat the softened butter with brown sugar until they become a creamy, fluffy dream.

Keep mixing for about 2 minutes until the mixture looks light and airy.

Step 3: Introduce Egg And Flavor Boosters

Crack in the egg and pour in vanilla extract.

Sprinkle in some salt to make the flavors pop.

Mix everything until they become best friends and blend perfectly.

Step 4: Welcome The Flour

Gently fold in the flour, treating the batter like a delicate dance partner.

Mix just until everything is combined – no need for aggressive stirring.

Step 5: Bring In The Stars

Time to add the show-stoppers!

• Mashed bananas
• Most of the chocolate chips

Save a handful of chocolate chips for a dramatic topping.

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly like you’re creating a delicious landscape.

Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top for extra pizzazz.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 33-37 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the edges turn golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

Step 8: Chill And Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, slice into 16 perfect squares and get ready to devour your creation.

Tips for Moist and Sweet Banana Bars

• Achieve the right butter consistency by leaving it at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming, ensuring a smooth and fluffy texture.
• Use very ripe, almost black bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor in your bars.
• Swap chocolate chips with chunks, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for a personalized twist on the classic recipe.
• Drain excess liquid from mashed bananas to prevent soggy bars and maintain the perfect dense, moist texture.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, adding 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum for better binding and texture.

Storage and Heating Tips for Banana Bars

• Store cooled banana chocolate chip bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness and flavor.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying. Alternatively, microwave for 15-20 seconds for a warm treat.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, gooey texture.

What to Pair with Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

• Pair with Sweet Sips: Rich hot chocolate or creamy cappuccino perfectly complement the banana chocolate chip bars, enhancing their sweet and decadent flavor profile.
• Match with Creamy Companions: Vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream create a delightful contrast, adding a cool, smooth texture that balances the warm, soft bars.
• Elevate with Nutty Crunch: Serve alongside toasted almond slices or chopped walnuts to introduce a satisfying crunch and nutty depth that highlights the banana's natural sweetness.
• Refresh with Fruity Drink: Chilled milk or light strawberry smoothie provide a refreshing counterpoint, cutting through the richness and cleansing the palate between bites.

Creative Mix-Ins for Banana Bars

• Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same soft texture and delicious flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version that's equally scrumptious.
• Low-Sugar Banana Chocolate Chip Bars: Reduce brown sugar by half and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener, incorporating extra ripe bananas for natural sweetness without compromising taste.
• Nutty Banana Chocolate Chip Bars: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a crunchy texture and boost of protein, creating a more complex and satisfying snack option.

FAQs

• How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Choose very ripe, almost brown bananas with dark spots. These bananas are sweeter and softer, which helps create a more moist and flavorful bar.

• Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can swap milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips based on your preference. Each type will give a slightly different flavor profile to the bars.

• What if I don't have parchment paper?

You can use aluminum foil or generously grease the baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. The key is to ensure the bars won’t stick to the pan when baking.

• Why is it important not to overmix the batter?

Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make the bars tough and dense instead of soft and tender. Mix just until ingredients are combined for the best texture.

Banana Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet banana chocolate chip bars bring comfort and joy to dessert lovers seeking a delightful treat. Homemade goodness meets classic flavors, offering you a perfect blend of moist banana and rich chocolate in each irresistible bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup mashed overripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking workspace by setting the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, lightly coating with nonstick spray.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth texture that takes approximately 2 minutes.
3. Introduce the egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly until all ingredients are seamlessly integrated.
4. Carefully fold the flour into the wet ingredients, ensuring minimal stirring to maintain a tender consistency and prevent overworking the batter.
5. Gently incorporate the mashed bananas, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture, then fold in three-quarters of the chocolate chips, creating a rich and textured base.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer, then sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips across the top for additional visual appeal and flavor.
7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 33-37 minutes, monitoring until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center reveals only a few moist crumbs.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the pan, which helps them set and makes cutting into 16 uniform squares easier and cleaner.

Notes

• Ripe bananas work best for maximum sweetness and moisture in the bars, so look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense bars; mix ingredients just until they are combined.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the same texture.
• Consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a complementary flavor profile to the chocolate and banana.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg