Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a delicious way to use overripe bananas and satisfy your sweet tooth. Soft, moist, and loaded with chocolate chips, they make a perfect snack or dessert for any occasion.

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 is 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 banana into the batter until fully incorporated.
6. Step 6: Fold in the chocolate chips, saving a few to sprinkle on top before baking.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the 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, gently lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into 16 squares with a sharp, warm knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean slices.

Tips & Variations

• Use ripe bananas with brown spots for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
• Try mixing in nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips to change up the flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour.

Storage

Store the bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat by warming briefly 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 as long as they are fully thawed and drained of excess liquid before mashing.

How do I keep the bars from turning mushy?

Make sure not to overmix once the flour is added and bake until the edges are golden and the center is set. Also, avoid using bananas that are too watery.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 84 reviews

Delicious and moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bars made with ripe bananas, brown sugar, and chocolate chips. These bars combine the rich sweetness of bananas with gooey chocolate chips for a perfect treat that’s easy to make and perfect for snack time or dessert.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
• 1 large egg, room temperature (56g)
• 1 cup mashed overripe banana – about 2 large bananas (250g)
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (6g)

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar (200g)
• 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)

Other

• 3/4 cup chocolate chips, chopped (125g)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare pan: 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. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter and packed brown sugar using a stand or hand mixer on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes lighter in color. Alternatively, use a whisk and very soft butter.
3. Add egg, vanilla, and salt: Mix in the large egg, vanilla extract, and fine salt on medium-low speed until fully combined, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
4. Incorporate flour: Add the all-purpose flour and mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
5. Fold in bananas: Gently fold the mashed bananas into the batter until fully incorporated.
6. Add chocolate chips: Fold in most of the chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top before baking.
7. Transfer batter to pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and evenly spread it out. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top for extra chocolatey goodness.
8. Bake: Bake for 33-37 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
9. Cool and slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, carefully remove the bars and cut into 16 squares using a warm knife for clean cuts, wiping the blade between cuts.
10. Store: Store bars at room temperature covered or in an airtight container for a few days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Notes

• Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Be careful not to overmix once flour is added to prevent dense bars.
• Using a warm knife and wiping it between cuts helps achieve clean slices.
• Bars keep well refrigerated and can be warmed slightly before serving.
• You can substitute mini chocolate chips if preferred for better distribution.

Keywords: banana bars, chocolate chip bars, easy dessert, banana recipe, chocolate chip banana bars, homemade bars, baked bars, snack bars