There is something utterly magical about the combination of ripe bananas and gooey chocolate chips baked into a soft, chewy bar that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. This Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe brings together everyday ingredients to create a treat that is both comforting and exciting to the taste buds. The natural sweetness of overripe bananas perfectly balances the rich bursts of chocolate chips, resulting in bars that are incredibly moist, tender, and just begging to be shared with friends or enjoyed as a midday pick-me-up. If you love quick and easy recipes that deliver big flavor, you are going to adore every bite of these bars.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up this Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe calls for simple, everyday pantry staples that work in harmony to build texture and flavor. Every ingredient plays its role, from the creamy butter that keeps things moist to the warm sweetness of brown sugar and the fruity banana flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start baking:
- Unsalted butter (1 stick, room temp): Provides moisture and richness while helping create a tender crumb.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup packed): Adds sweetness along with a subtle hint of molasses flavor for depth.
- Large egg (room temp): Acts as a binder and adds structure to the bars.
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (1 1/2 tsp): Enhances the overall aroma and flavor, adding a warm vanilla note.
- Fine salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and amplifies the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The backbone ingredient providing stability and chewiness.
- Mashed overripe bananas (1 cup): Infuses natural sweetness and moisture; make sure your bananas are nice and ripe for best flavor.
- Chopped chocolate chips (3/4 cup): Little pockets of melty chocolate scattered throughout bring joyful bursts of decadence.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bars bake evenly and develop that perfect golden edge. Grab a 9×9 inch baking pan and either line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it, so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature butter and packed light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and slightly pale—about 2 to 3 minutes. This fluffy base is where the magic begins, as it helps trap air into the batter, making your bars delightfully tender.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, mix in the large egg, vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste), and fine salt. Stir everything together until smooth and well combined. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor to your batter, creating the foundation for soft, rich bars.
Step 4: Fold in Bananas and Flour
Now, gently fold in the mashed overripe bananas and all-purpose flour. It’s important to mix just until incorporated to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the bars tough. The bananas add natural sweetness and a lovely hint of fruitiness that balances perfectly with the chocolate.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Finally, fold in the chopped chocolate chips, evenly distributing those pockets of melty chocolate throughout the batter. The chocolate chips are what take these bars from simple to spectacular, adding irresistible gooey bites in every square.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out to an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). Let the bars cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing them into squares—this helps them set and makes cutting easier.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Serving these bars with a simple garnish can elevate their cozy vibe. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty touch, or sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking for an extra crunch. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream also makes your presentation pop and adds richness to each bite.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars make a fantastic companion to an afternoon cup of coffee or tea, balancing hot, bitter drinks with their sweet, fruity flavor. For a heartier snack, pair the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk to create a dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve these bars stacked on a pretty plate with fresh banana slices and chocolate shards on the side. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares for a party platter or package them individually wrapped as sweet gifts that show you care.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftover Chocolate Chip Banana Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and delicious without drying out, perfect for grabbing a quick snack anytime.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months, making it easy to enjoy your homemade treat on demand.
Reheating
When you’re ready to dig in, thaw frozen bars at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. The gentle warmth brings back that soft, chewy texture and makes the chocolate chips melty and inviting again.
FAQs
Can I use regular granulated sugar instead of brown sugar?
While you can substitute granulated sugar, brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor with its molasses content, which complements the bananas and chocolate wonderfully. If you do use granulated sugar, consider adding a teaspoon of molasses to mimic the flavor.
What type of bananas works best for this recipe?
Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots are ideal because they are sweeter and softer, which adds natural sweetness and moisture to the bars. Avoid underripe bananas as they won’t have the same flavor or texture.
Can I use mini chocolate chips instead of chopped ones?
Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips will evenly distribute throughout the bars and melt beautifully. Chopped chocolate gives slightly bigger pockets of chocolate, so choose based on the texture you prefer.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that’s meant for one-to-one replacement. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best results.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars after 35 minutes. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they are done. If batter sticks to the toothpick, give them a few more minutes and check again.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe are truly a gem to keep in your baking repertoire. They are simple to make, use wholesome ingredients, and yield a mouthwatering treat that feels special every time. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these bars offer sweet, comforting flavors that never disappoint. So go ahead, give the recipe a try, and watch how quickly these bars vanish from your kitchen!
Print
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a deliciously moist and sweet treat, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich chocolate chips in a soft, cake-like bar. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat, they are easy to make and bake in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar (200g)
- 1 large egg, room temperature (56g)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (6g)
- 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
- 1 cup mashed overripe banana, about 2 large bananas (250g)
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips, chopped (125g)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature when your batter is ready.
- Prepare Pan: Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking and make removing the bars easier.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is key for a tender texture.
- Add Egg, Vanilla, and Salt: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Fold in Bananas and Flour: Gently fold in the mashed bananas and flour just until incorporated, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chopped chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter for bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares to finish setting and to serve easily.
Notes
- For best flavor, use overripe bananas as they are sweeter and more aromatic.
- Chill your butter if it’s too soft, or soften it at room temperature for easy creaming.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruits for variation.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat slightly before serving for a softer texture and melty chocolate chips.
