Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Hola! I’m Emma, and if there’s one thing my kitchen has taught me, it’s that bananas and chocolate are simply meant to be together. Growing up in Orlando, I remember helping my mama mash overripe bananas into sweet batter while abuela slipped a few chocolate chips into my hand to snack on. Fast forward to today, and I’m still falling in love with the magic of banana and chocolate chip recipes. These chocolate chip banana bars are moist, chewy, and a fun twist on classic banana bread. If you’re searching for a simple banana dessert recipe or an easy treat to take to someone, this will be your new favorite.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 16 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American |
| Best Season | All year round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Chewy and Moist – These banana bars bake up with a blondie-like texture that’s soft, buttery, and perfectly tender.
- Banana Bread Alternative – If you love banana bread but want something quicker and easier, this recipe is a perfect choice.
- Family Friendly – Kids and adults alike love the mix of chocolate chips with sweet bananas. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Simple Ingredients – You only need pantry staples like flour, sugar, and butter, plus ripe bananas and chocolate chips.
- Versatile Snack – Perfect for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or a cozy dessert with a glass of milk.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe – Moist & Chewy Treat
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
These chocolate chip banana bars are moist, buttery, and chewy—like banana bread and blondies in one! Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (128 g) mini chocolate chips, divided
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute. Let cool 10–15 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar. Add egg, bananas, and vanilla.
5. Stir in dry ingredients in two batches, mixing just until combined.
6. Fold in most of the chocolate chips, reserving some for the top.
7. Spread batter in the pan. Sprinkle with reserved chips.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
9. Cool completely, lift with parchment, slice, and serve.
Notes
Use ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for best flavor.
Cool melted butter before mixing to avoid scrambling the egg.
Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3–4 days or freeze up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (128 g) mini chocolate chips, divided
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | Melt and cool slightly before mixing so it blends smoothly without scrambling the egg. |
| Flour | Spoon and level flour for accuracy—too much will make the bars dry. |
| Baking Powder | Check expiration for best rise. Old baking powder won’t lift the bars properly. |
| Salt | Balances sweetness and enhances banana flavor—don’t skip it. |
| Brown Sugar | Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor; lightly pack it when measuring. |
| Egg | Room temperature eggs mix better and prevent dense batter. |
| Bananas | Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for natural sweetness. |
| Vanilla Extract | Pure vanilla adds a richer, more aromatic flavor. |
| Mini Chocolate Chips | Fold most into the batter but save some for sprinkling on top for presentation. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Melt butter in the microwave for 1 minute, then let it cool for about 10 minutes until warm but not hot.
- In a small bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In a large bowl, whisk cooled butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. The mixture may look slightly curdled, but it will smooth out once dry ingredients are added.
- Stir in dry ingredients gradually, mixing until just combined. Fold in most of the chocolate chips, reserving some for topping.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs.
- Cool completely before lifting out of the pan, slicing, and serving.
Helpful Tips
- Use ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter, or the bars may become tough.
- Always line your pan with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Add extra chocolate chips on top for a bakery-style finish.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Banana Texture – Mash bananas until mostly smooth, but leaving a few small chunks gives the bars extra bursts of flavor.
- Cooling is Key – Let the bars cool completely before slicing, or they may fall apart.
- Pan Size – Stick to an 8×8 pan for thick, chewy bars. A larger pan will make them thinner.
- Storage Tip – These bars taste even better the next day once the flavors meld together.
Recipe Variations
- Peanut Butter Swirl – Add a few spoonfuls of peanut butter to the batter before baking for a chocolate-banana-peanut butter combo.
- Nutty Banana Bars – Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and extra flavor.
- Cinnamon Twist – Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm spice kick.
- Healthier Swap – Replace half the butter with Greek yogurt for lighter bars without losing moisture.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
These bars can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to one month. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve banana bars as-is for a quick snack, or warm them slightly and pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For breakfast, enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Pairing Ideas
Pair these banana bars with a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or even a sweet dessert wine like Moscato. They also taste amazing alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of whipped cream.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave a bar for 10–15 seconds for a warm, gooey bite. You can also reheat them in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Just thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing.
2. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13 pan and adjust baking time to 35–40 minutes.
3. Do I have to use mini chocolate chips?
No, regular chocolate chips work fine, but minis distribute more evenly.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
5. How do I know when they’re done?
Insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
6. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can cut the sugar by ¼ cup, but the bars will be less sweet.
7. Can I add frosting?
Definitely! A simple cream cheese frosting would make these extra decadent.
Nutrition Info (per serving)
| Serving Size | 1 bar |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbs | 25g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice. |
Conclusion
If you’ve been searching for a moist banana bread recipe with chocolate chips or just a simple banana dessert recipe, these chocolate chip banana bars are a must-try. Quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible—give them a go and watch them disappear fast!
