Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

A Dessert Worth Going Bananas For!

Is there anything better than the smell of ripe bananas and melted chocolate baking in the oven? If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion, these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are just what you need. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with just the right amount of chocolatey goodness.

This recipe is a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Instead of tossing them out, turn them into something delicious!

These bars come together quickly with simple ingredients, making them perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even as a lunchbox treat.

Plus, they’re the perfect balance between a cookie and a cake—thick, moist, and slightly chewy with golden edges. Whether you enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or pack them for a snack on the go, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – No fancy equipment or long prep time needed. Just mix, pour, and bake!
• Uses up ripe bananas – Instead of throwing them away, turn them into something delicious.
• Perfect texture – Soft, moist, and slightly chewy with just the right amount of sweetness.
• Kid-friendly – A great treat for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or even dessert.
• Customizable – Add nuts, peanut butter, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to make it your own.

---

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious banana bars:

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but adds great flavor)

Add-ins:

• ¾ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

---

Kitchen Tools Needed

Before you start baking, gather these basic kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowls – One for wet ingredients and one for dry ingredients.
• Whisk or electric mixer – To mix the ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient amounts.
• Spatula – Great for folding in chocolate chips and scraping the bowl.
• 9×9-inch baking pan – The perfect size for thick, chewy bars. You can also use an 8×8-inch pan for slightly thicker bars.
• Parchment paper or nonstick spray – To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Toothpick – To check if the bars are done baking.

---

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your Chocolate Chip Banana Bars:

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash two ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. A few small lumps are okay!

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

To the mashed bananas, add melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips (and walnuts if using) until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 22-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Once completely cool, cut into squares and enjoy!

More Recipes >>>>>>> Tasty Baked Rigatoni With Ground Beef

---

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use ripe bananas – The riper, the better! Dark, spotty bananas add more natural sweetness and moisture.
• Don’t overmix – Stir until just combined to keep the bars soft and tender.
• Line your pan with parchment paper – This makes it easy to lift the bars out for cutting.
• Customize your mix-ins – Try peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or shredded coconut for a fun twist.
• Let them cool before cutting – Warm bars might fall apart, so be patient!

---

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some easy swaps and fun variations:

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Butter → Coconut oil or applesauce (for a dairy-free or lower-fat option)
• All-purpose flour → Whole wheat flour (for a slightly denser, healthier version)
• Brown sugar → Coconut sugar or honey (for a natural sweetness)
• Egg → Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, for a vegan option)
• Chocolate chips → Dark chocolate chunks or white chocolate chips (for different flavor profiles)

Fun Variations:

• Nutty Banana Bars – Add ½ cup chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch.
• Peanut Butter Banana Bars – Swirl in ¼ cup peanut butter before baking.
• Tropical Banana Bars – Add ¼ cup shredded coconut and use white chocolate chips.
• Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bars – Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a sweet crust.

---

Serving Suggestions

These banana bars are delicious on their own, but here are some ways to take them to the next level:

• Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – The ultimate dessert!
• Drizzle with melted chocolate – Because more chocolate is always a good idea.
• Spread with peanut butter or Nutella – A perfect afternoon snack.
• Top with fresh fruit – Sliced strawberries or caramelized bananas make a fancy topping.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or milk – The perfect cozy treat.

More Recipes >>>>>> Honey Ginger Chicken Bowl With Yum Yum Sauce

These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are so easy and delicious, they might just become your new favorite treat! What’s your favorite way to enjoy bananas in dessert? Let me know!

---

Storage and Reheating Instructions

How to Store:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to a week. This helps them stay extra moist.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat:

• Microwave: Warm for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
• Oven: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to restore texture.

---

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 5-7 extra minutes.

Q: My bars turned out dry. What went wrong?
A: Overbaking is the likely culprit! Check at 22 minutes and remove when a toothpick has just a few crumbs.

Q: Can I make this in a loaf pan instead?
A: Yes, but the baking time will be longer (around 40-45 minutes).

Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
A: Yes, just thaw them first and drain any extra liquid before using.

---

That’s everything you need to know about making these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars! They’re easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. What’s your favorite add-in?

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!