Irresistible Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Whipping up these delectable chocolate chip banana bars brings pure joy to my kitchen adventures.

Sweet bananas mingle perfectly with rich chocolate chunks in this irresistible treat.

Comfort and nostalgia blend seamlessly through each soft, tender bite.

My grandmother’s simple baking wisdom inspired this delightful recipe that feels like a warm hug.

Pantry staples come together in minutes, making this an effortless dessert for spontaneous cravings.

Crisp edges and gooey center create a textural symphony that will make everyone ask for seconds.

Bake these bars and watch smiles spread across eager faces.

Storing and Reheating Banana Bars the Right Way

• Store cooled chocolate chip banana bars in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, gooey texture. Alternatively, warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their just-baked feel.
• Allow bars to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving if you prefer a softer, more tender texture.

What Goes Well with Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

• Pair with Creamy Caramel Latte: The rich, sweet notes of a caramel latte complement the banana and chocolate flavors, creating a decadent dessert experience that enhances the bars' warmth and sweetness.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Chilled vanilla ice cream provides a cool, smooth contrast to the warm, dense chocolate chip banana bars, balancing the dessert's temperature and texture.
• Match with Bourbon Whipped Cream: A sophisticated bourbon-infused whipped cream adds depth and complexity, bringing out the subtle caramel undertones in the brown sugar and creating an elevated dessert pairing.
• Accompany with Cinnamon Chai Tea: The spicy, aromatic chai tea cuts through the sweetness of the bars, offering a gentle warmth that harmonizes with the banana and chocolate flavors.

Banana Bar Variations You’ll Enjoy

• Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Banana Chocolate Bars: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg with a flax egg, and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Banana Chocolate Treats: Swap brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or reduce sugar content by half and add extra mashed banana for natural sweetness.
• Nutty Chocolate Banana Squares: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nutritional value, creating a more textured bar with complementary flavors.

FAQs

• Why do I need overripe bananas for this recipe?

Overripe bananas have more natural sugars and a softer texture, which provides deeper sweetness and helps create a more moist, tender bar. Their intense banana flavor enhances the overall taste of the dessert.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything on hand?

You can replace brown sugar with white sugar, use margarine instead of butter, or swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. However, each substitution might slightly change the texture and taste of the final bars.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges, a set center that doesn’t jiggle, and a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs when inserted into the middle. These signs indicate the bars are done without being overbaked and dry.

• What type of chocolate chips work best for this recipe?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal because they provide a balanced sweetness that complements the banana flavor. You can also use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips based on your preference.

What Makes Chocolate Chip Banana Bars So Good

• Bake with Ease: Super simple recipe that even beginner bakers can master without stress, requiring minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delightfully moist banana bars packed with chocolate chips create an irresistible treat that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Incredibly adaptable recipe that works as a quick snack, after-school treat, potluck contribution, or sweet dessert, satisfying multiple occasions with minimal preparation effort.
• Rescue Overripe Bananas: Brilliant solution for transforming those forgotten, browning bananas into a delectable dessert, reducing food waste while creating something deliciously memorable.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Main Ingredients:

• All-Purpose Flour: A basic baking staple with soft and fine texture.
• Fine Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.

• Unsalted Butter: Rich and creamy dairy product that adds moisture.
• Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredient with deep caramel-like notes.
• Large Egg: Binding agent that helps create structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Warm and aromatic flavor enhancer.

• Overripe Bananas: Soft, sweet fruit that adds natural moisture.
• Chocolate Chips: Classic sweet morsels that provide bursts of chocolate flavor.

• Parchment Paper: Non-stick baking helper for easy bar removal.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures smooth release from baking dish.

How to Bake Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven and Prep the Pan

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over like little handles.

Give the paper a quick spritz of non-stick spray to ensure smooth removal later.

Step 2: Whip Up Butter and Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened butter and brown sugar until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture.

Use an electric mixer or get a workout with a whisk if the butter is super soft.

Aim for a light and airy texture that’ll make your bars irresistibly tender.

Step 3: Introduce Wet Ingredients

Crack in an egg, splash some vanilla, and sprinkle salt into the buttery mixture.

Mix gently on low speed, making sure everything plays nice together.

Scrape down the bowl’s sides to catch any shy ingredients hiding out.

Step 4: Welcome the Flour

Drift flour into the wet ingredients.

Stir cautiously – you want to just barely combine everything.

Too much mixing will make your bars tough, and nobody wants a chewy banana bar.

Step 5: Bring in the Bananas

Plop in those super ripe, mushy bananas.

Fold them through the batter, watching as they infuse moisture and natural sweetness into every bite.

Step 6: Chocolate Chip Party

Gently fold chocolate chips into the batter.

Save a handful to sprinkle dramatically on top for that professional bakery look.

Distribute chips evenly without going crazy with the mixing.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepped pan, creating an even landscape.

Scatter those reserved chocolate chips across the top like delicious confetti.

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

A toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs when it’s done.

Spin the pan halfway through for even golden deliciousness.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the bars chill completely on a wire rack.

Use those parchment paper handles to lift the entire creation out.

Grab a warm knife and slice into 16 perfect squares.

Enjoy your banana chocolate chip masterpiece!

Tips for Moist Banana Bars with Chocolate Chips

• Use bananas that are very dark and spotty for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor. Overripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bars.
• Do not overmix the batter, as this can develop gluten and create dense, tough bars. Stir ingredients just until combined to maintain a tender texture.
• Experiment with different chocolate varieties like dark, milk, or white chocolate chips. You can also swap chips for chopped nuts or dried fruit for unique flavor combinations.
• Insert a toothpick near the center to test baking completion. A few moist crumbs are perfect, indicating the bars will remain soft and not dried out.
• Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to a week or freeze for up to one month, separating layers with parchment paper.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irresistible chocolate chip banana bars blend classic comfort with sweet nostalgia, delivering a moist, homemade treat perfect for afternoon snacking. Packed with ripe bananas and rich chocolate, these bars invite warm memories and delightful indulgence right from your kitchen.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
• 1 cup mashed overripe bananas (about 2 large bananas, 250g)
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (125g)

Sweeteners and Binding:

• 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar (200g)
• 1 large egg, room temperature (56g)

Fats and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (6g)
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt (3g)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and setting up the baking vessel. Create a non-stick surface inside an 8×8-inch pan using parchment paper with extended edges for effortless removal.
2. Transform butter and brown sugar into a creamy, airy mixture by vigorously blending until the texture becomes light and voluminous. Use an electric mixer or manual whisking technique to achieve optimal consistency.
3. Introduce egg, vanilla extract, and salt into the creamed foundation. Integrate these elements gently, ensuring thorough incorporation while maintaining the mixture’s delicate structure.
4. Gradually introduce flour to the wet ingredients, stirring with minimal agitation. Mix until flour disappears into the batter, avoiding excessive manipulation that could compromise the bars’ tenderness.
5. Integrate mashed bananas, folding them carefully to distribute evenly throughout the mixture. The ripe fruit will contribute moisture and natural sweetness to the impending dessert.
6. Delicately fold chocolate chips into the batter, reserving a small quantity for decorative topping. Ensure even distribution without deflating the mixture’s carefully developed volume.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips across the top for visual appeal and extra chocolate intensity. Bake for 33-37 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee uniform cooking.
8. Allow the baked creation to cool completely on a wire rack. Once temperature normalizes, extract from the pan using parchment paper handles. Slice into 16 uniform squares using a warm, clean knife for precise edges.

Notes

• Swap overripe bananas for applesauce or Greek yogurt to reduce sugar and add protein for a healthier twist.
• Experiment with different chocolate chip varieties like dark, milk, or white chocolate to customize flavor profiles.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same soft, tender texture.
• Chill the baked bars before cutting to achieve cleaner, more precise square edges and prevent crumbling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg