Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are the perfect blend of sweet bananas and melty chocolate chips, baked into soft and chewy squares. These bars are an excellent way to use overripe bananas, offering a quick and easy dessert or snack.
Not overly sweet, they strike the ideal balance between indulgence and wholesome goodness. Whether you need a lunchbox treat, a coffee companion, or a simple dessert, these bars are sure to please everyone.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Spatula
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients Overview
- Bananas: Overripe bananas work best, adding natural sweetness and moisture.
- Butter: Provides richness and a tender texture.
- Brown Sugar: Enhances sweetness with a touch of caramel flavor.
- Flour: Forms the base, giving structure to the bars.
- Chocolate Chips: Add a gooey, chocolatey bite in every square.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
Ingredients
- 3 medium overripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, if desired)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it with nonstick spray. - Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and well combined. - Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Stir until just combined—do not overmix. - Add Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a few for sprinkling on top. - Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Recipe Tips
- Ripen Bananas Quickly: Place bananas in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 15 minutes to ripen if needed.
- Customizable Add-Ins: Swap some chocolate chips for chopped nuts, white chocolate, or dried fruit.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What to Serve With This Recipe
- A cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee.
- A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- Fresh fruit on the side for a lighter snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can use white sugar mixed with a teaspoon of molasses as a substitute.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
- Pack them in a picnic basket or lunchbox for an easy, on-the-go treat.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Perfect for any occasion, they’ll disappear in no time!
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are the perfect blend of sweet bananas and melty chocolate chips, baked into soft and chewy squares. These bars are an excellent way to use overripe bananas, offering a quick and easy dessert or snack. Not overly sweet, they strike the ideal balance between indulgence and wholesome goodness. Whether you need a lunchbox treat, a coffee companion, or a simple dessert, these bars are sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
- 3 medium overripe bananas mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips plus extra for topping, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it with nonstick spray.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
- Add Chocolate Chips:
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a few for sprinkling on top.
- Pour and Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
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