Banana Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Banana Chocolate Chip Bars are a delicious way to use overripe bananas, combining moist, flavorful banana batter with melty chocolate chips. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they are easy to make and sure to satisfy any sweet craving.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes, until the mixture becomes lighter in color.
3. Step 3: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix on medium-low speed until combined, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
4. Step 4: Mix in the flour on low speed until just combined.
5. Step 5: Fold the mashed bananas into the batter until fully incorporated.
6. Step 6: Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.
8. Step 8: Bake for 33-37 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
10. Step 10: Once cooled, remove the bars from the pan and cut into 16 squares using a sharp, warm knife. Wipe the blade between cuts for clean edges.

Tips & Variations

• Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and moisture.
• Try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
• Swap chocolate chips for chopped nuts or dried fruit to customize the bars.
• Make mini bars by baking in a smaller pan and adjusting baking time accordingly.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid a runny batter.

Can I substitute the butter for oil?

You can replace butter with an equal amount of neutral oil, like vegetable or canola oil, but the texture may be slightly different—oil makes the bars a bit denser.

Banana Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 124 reviews

Deliciously moist Banana Chocolate Chip Bars made with ripe bananas, brown sugar, and chunks of chocolate chips baked to perfection. These bars are easy to prepare and perfect for a sweet snack or dessert.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

• 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

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray it lightly with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and packed brown sugar using a mixer on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes lighter in color. If mixing by hand, ensure the butter is very soft for easier mixing.
3. Add Egg and Flavorings: Add the large egg, vanilla extract, and fine salt to the creamed mixture. Mix on medium-low speed until just combined, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula as needed.
4. Incorporate Flour: Add the all-purpose flour to the batter and mix on low speed until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough bars.
5. Fold in Banana and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated. Next, fold in the chopped chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top of the batter before baking.
6. Pour Batter and Add Toppings: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips evenly on top to create a lovely chocolate finish.
7. Bake: Bake the bars for 33 to 37 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. The edges should be golden brown, and the center fully baked.
8. Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before carefully lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into 16 squares using a sharp, warm knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat slices.
9. Store: Store the bars at room temperature for a few days covered or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

• Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Using a warm knife for cutting helps achieve clean squares without crumbling.
• These bars can be refrigerated to extend freshness for up to a week.
• Feel free to substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate according to preference.
• For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.

Keywords: Banana chocolate chip bars, banana dessert bars, chocolate chip banana bars, easy banana bars, baked banana dessert