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
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Introduce egg, vanilla extract, and salt into the creamed foundation. Integrate these elements gently, ensuring thorough incorporation while maintaining the mixture’s delicate structure.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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