Banana Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate Flour: Add the all-purpose flour to the batter and mix on low speed until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough bars.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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