Name: Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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If you’re searching for the ultimate treat that marries gooey, chocolatey decadence with the sweet nostalgia of warm banana bread, you have to make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars. These delightful bars are the perfect answer to those overripe bananas on your counter! They’re soft, moist, and packed with just the right amount of chocolate chips to keep every bite exciting. Whether you need a feel-good dessert for your next gathering, a lunchbox surprise, or an indulgent snack with your afternoon coffee, this recipe will soon become a beloved favorite in your repertoire.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars is selected for maximum flavor and texture. From the ripest bananas to the finest baking chocolate, each element works together to create a bar that’s both comforting and irresistibly delicious.

Ripe Bananas: Be sure your bananas are spotty and sweet for the best flavor and a naturally moist texture.
Melted Butter: Adds rich flavor and keeps the bars wonderfully tender.
Brown Sugar: Offers caramel notes and softness that white sugar can’t match.
Large Egg: Binds everything together and adds a bit of lift to the bars.
Vanilla Extract: A splash brings out all the other flavors and deepens the aroma.
Baking Soda: Ensures your bars are fluffy, not dense, by helping them rise nicely.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and amps up the banana flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives softness and structure to the bars.
Whole Wheat Flour: Adds a slight nuttiness and boosts texture (but you can use all-purpose if you prefer).
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The star ingredient—each bite gets a pop of melty chocolate.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This step makes removing the bars effortless and keeps cleanup minimal—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!

Step 2: Mash the Bananas and Mix with Butter

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until creamy, then whisk in the melted butter. This creates the moist, flavorful base that will keep your Chocolate Chip Banana Bars soft and luscious.

Step 3: Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla

Stir in the brown sugar, large egg, and vanilla extract until everything is silky-smooth and thoroughly combined. This is where the dreamy banana bread aroma begins!

Step 4: Add Baking Soda, Salt, and Flours

Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt. Then, gently fold in both the all-purpose and whole wheat flours until just mixed—over-mixing can make your bars tough, so stop as soon as there are no streaks of flour left.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Now for the magic! Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips by hand, ensuring they’re evenly distributed but being careful not to overwork the batter.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Scoop the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a little chocolate smudge is just fine!).

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let your bars cool completely in the pan for easy slicing. This helps them hold their shape, and the flavors meld as they rest. Once cool, lift them out and slice into 12 generous bars.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a scattering of extra chocolate chips on top adds instant bakery-worthy flair. Try a few toasted walnuts or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for a special occasion touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a tall glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a charming addition to a brunch spread alongside fresh berries and yogurt.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut them into smaller bite-sized squares and serve on a platter with toothpicks. Wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for adorable lunchbox treats, or turn them into decadent parfaits layered with whipped cream and sliced bananas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chocolate Chip Banana Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack all week long.

Freezing

These banana bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars or the whole batch tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave before serving.

Reheating

To refresh Chocolate Chip Banana Bars, microwave each bar for about 10–15 seconds, just until the chocolate chips get gooey again. You can also warm them in a low oven if you’re reheating a larger batch.

FAQs

Can I substitute all-purpose flour for the whole wheat flour?

Yes! If you only have all-purpose flour on hand, just swap it in for the whole wheat—your Chocolate Chip Banana Bars will still turn out deliciously soft and tender.

What kind of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips balance the natural sweetness of the bananas, but you can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips to make the bars your own.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! A handful of chopped walnuts or pecans adds crunch, or try a sprinkle of cinnamon or a swirl of peanut butter for extra flavor.

How do I know when the bars are done?

The bars are ready when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean—don’t worry if there’s a little melted chocolate, just make sure there’s no sticky batter left.

Are these bars good for breakfast?

Chocolate Chip Banana Bars make a fabulous on-the-go breakfast, with wholesome banana and hearty flours packing in some staying power alongside that sweet chocolate treat!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a treat that’s as easy as it is irresistible, bake up a batch of Chocolate Chip Banana Bars and see just how quickly they disappear! With simple ingredients and loads of chocolatey comfort, these bars may become your new go-to dessert—or anytime snack. Don’t wait for the bananas to get even riper—grab your mixing bowl and enjoy every blissful bite!

Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bars for a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with rich chocolate chips in a soft, chewy bar form.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Banana Bars:

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas and melted butter until smooth. Add brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, stirring until well mixed.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle in baking soda and salt, then mix in all-purpose and whole wheat flour until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Bake: Pour the batter into the pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.