Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

If you have a soft spot for all things banana and chocolate, wait until you try these incredible Chocolate Chip Banana Bars. They’re the perfect blend of moist, tender banana goodness paired with bursts of melty chocolate chips throughout a rich, buttery batter. These bars boast a lovely golden color and a texture that’s somehow both cakey and chewy, making them ideal for a cozy snack or a comforting dessert. Honestly, once you taste these bars, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them in your baking repertoire!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each one plays a crucial role: butter adds richness and moisture, bananas bring natural sweetness and softness, and chocolate chips deliver that irresistible gooey texture and flavor.

• Unsalted butter, ½ cup (113 g): Melted butter lends a rich, creamy base and helps keep the bars moist.
• All-purpose flour, 1 cup (120 g): This is the backbone that gives structure to the bars without making them heavy.
• Baking powder, ½ teaspoon: A small lift that ensures a tender, light crumb.
• Salt, ½ teaspoon: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Light brown sugar, ¾ cup (150 g): Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
• Large egg, room temperature: Binds everything together and provides a bit of lift.
• Mashed bananas, 1 cup (about 2 medium bananas): The star of the show, bananas add natural moisture, sweetness, and that unmistakable flavor.
• Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons (10 ml): Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Mini chocolate chips, ¾ cup (128 g), divided: Scattered throughout for bursts of sweetness and on top for an inviting, melty finish.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Step 1: Prepare your baking pan and butter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Then, line an 8×8 inch (20 cm) pan with parchment paper on the bottom and two sides so you can easily lift the bars out once baked. Next, melt the butter in the microwave by heating for about 1 minute, stirring, and heating again briefly if needed. Let it cool until warm but not hot — this prevents cooking the eggs when combined.

Step 2: Mix your dry ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, which helps the bars rise gently and develop a perfect crumb.

Step 3: Combine wet ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the cooled melted butter with the brown sugar until well combined. Then, add the egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a bit curdled; this is totally normal and will smooth out once you add the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Bring it all together with chocolate chips

Gradually stir in the dry flour mixture until just combined—overmixing can make the bars tough, so be gentle. Fold in most of the mini chocolate chips, reserving some to sprinkle on top for that beautiful melty chocolate finish.

Step 5: Bake to perfection

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan with a flexible spatula, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips across the surface for a gorgeous look and extra chocolate kisses in every bite. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are firm and a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely in the pan to set beautifully.

Step 6: Slice and enjoy!

Once cooled, lift the Chocolate Chip Banana Bars out by the parchment edges, slice them up, and get ready to indulge in the perfect balance of gooey, sweet, and buttery banana bars with chocolate chip goodness woven through every bite.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Garnishes

To elevate these bars even more, try adding a light dusting of powdered sugar on top or a drizzle of melted chocolate. For a fresh twist, sprinkle chopped nuts or toasted coconut flakes for crunch and texture contrast that complements the softness inside.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a luscious dessert. For a breakfast or brunch vibe, serve alongside fresh fruit or a warm cup of coffee, tea, or cold glass of milk—the perfect companions to balance the sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party treat, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a decorative platter with colorful berries. Another idea is to sandwich the bars between layers of cream cheese frosting to mimic banana split flavors or even use them as a base for layered parfaits with yogurt and fruit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Chocolate Chip Banana Bars fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and delicious for 3 to 4 days, perfect for grabbing as a sweet treat anytime. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge can extend freshness up to a week.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these bars ahead of time or save extras, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual bars or the whole batch tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to one month and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

For warm, gooey bars, gently reheat them in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This brings back some of that just-baked warmth and melts the chocolate chips perfectly without drying out the bars.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas to make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars?

Absolutely! Just thaw the bananas and drain any excess liquid if needed before mashing them. Frozen bananas often add more natural sweetness and creaminess, which works wonderfully in this recipe.

What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips—can I use regular-sized ones?

Yes, regular-sized chocolate chips work fine! They may create larger pockets of melted chocolate, which can be a nice variation. Just distribute them evenly through the batter.

Can I substitute the butter for oil in this recipe?

You can replace butter with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil, but the bars may be slightly less rich and have a different texture. Butter offers flavor and structure that oil can’t fully replicate.

How ripe should the bananas be for these bars?

The riper, the better! Bananas with brown spots are ideal because they’re sweeter and mash easily, which enhances the flavor and moisture of the bars tremendously.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the Chocolate Chip Banana Bars?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries or raisins can add an exciting crunch or chewiness. Fold them in with the chocolate chips just before baking.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars quickly become a beloved treat in any household. With a balance of tender banana flavor and luscious chocolate, they’re truly a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just because, these bars never fail to deliver warm, comforting happiness in every bite. Give them a try—you’re going to love how quickly they disappear!

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