If you’re looking for a treat that perfectly balances gooey chocolate, sweet ripe bananas, and the comfort of homemade baking, look no further than these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars. This recipe brings together everything you love about banana bread and classic chocolate chip cookies in a thick, chewy bar that’s incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you want a quick snack, a crowd-pleasing dessert, or a sweet breakfast bite, Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are sure to become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chocolate Chip Banana Bars is how each everyday ingredient brings something special to the table. From the rich butter to the pop of cinnamon, every item plays a role in creating that irresistible flavor and perfect bar texture.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): The melted butter makes these bars ultra-moist and gives them a rich, decadent base.
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and a lovely depth of flavor, plus it helps keep the bars soft and chewy.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and provides structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and brings out the best in the bananas and chocolate.
- Ripe bananas (2, mashed): The star of the show, lending sweetness, moisture, and that classic banana flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Just enough to hold the bars together without making them dense.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise and stay fluffy.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the bananas to give a light, tender crumb.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and elevates all the other flavors.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds warmth and a hint of spice that pairs beautifully with banana.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (3/4 cup): Melty pockets of chocolate in every bite—need I say more?
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and either grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper. Lining makes for easy removal and cleanup, but greasing works just fine too!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. Add in your egg, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas, stirring until everything is nicely blended and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). This ensures even distribution, which means you won’t get any surprise salty or baking soda bites in your bars.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Over-mixing can make the bars tough, so stop as soon as you don’t see any streaks of flour left. Fold in the chocolate chips—don’t forget to save a few to sprinkle on top if you like a pretty finish!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the thick batter evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool in the pan before slicing. This is the hardest part, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, try a light dusting of powdered sugar, an extra sprinkle of chocolate chips, or even a few slices of fresh banana on top before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream takes these bars to the next level.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or alongside a cup of hot coffee or cold milk for breakfast or snack time. For a brunch spread, set them out with fresh fruit and yogurt for a sweet, satisfying contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters for a party platter, or layer them in a jar with whipped cream and fruit for a gorgeous parfait. You can even turn them into ice cream sandwiches—just add a scoop of your favorite flavor between two bars and freeze for a cool treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chocolate Chip Banana Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay soft and chewy, and some say they’re even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, these bars freeze beautifully. Cut them into squares, wrap each piece well in plastic wrap, and pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months.
Reheating
To enjoy a warm, gooey bar, just microwave a piece for 10-15 seconds straight from the fridge or let it thaw at room temperature if frozen. The chocolate will melt just enough, making each bite as dreamy as when they were fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for Chocolate Chip Banana Bars?
Absolutely! Just thaw the bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They work perfectly and add even more moisture and sweetness to the bars.
What can I substitute for butter?
You can use melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version. The flavor will change slightly, but the bars will still be deliciously moist and tender.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans are fantastic in Chocolate Chip Banana Bars for a bit of crunch. You can also try adding shredded coconut, dried fruit, or even white chocolate chips for a twist.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a golden top and edges that are just starting to pull away from the pan. Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bars are ready to cool and slice.
Are these bars suitable for breakfast?
Why not? With bananas, eggs, and wholesome ingredients, Chocolate Chip Banana Bars make a satisfying grab-and-go breakfast, especially when paired with a cup of coffee or some fruit.
Final Thoughts
If you have ripe bananas on your counter and a craving for something sweet, give these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars a try. They’re simple, scrumptious, and sure to win over anyone lucky enough to grab a square. Happy baking!
Print
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bars made with ripe bananas, brown sugar, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfect as a snack, dessert, or quick breakfast treat, these bars combine the natural sweetness of bananas with the rich flavor of chocolate in a simple bake that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Add-ins
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Egg, Vanilla, and Bananas: Stir in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed ripe bananas until everything is well combined, creating a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using, ensuring even distribution of the leavening agents.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture and stir just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bars tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into 9 bars. Enjoy as a snack or dessert.
Notes
- For extra texture and flavor, stir in 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans before baking.
- These bars freeze well, making them perfect for preparing in advance for quick snacks or breakfasts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
