There’s a special kind of magic that happens when ripe bananas meet chocolate chips. It’s the same magic that makes banana bread a classic, but these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars take that delicious combination and make it even more fun and convenient. These bars are incredibly moist, perfectly sweet, and loaded with pockets of melted chocolate, making them a fantastic treat for any time of day.
Why This Recipe is a Favorite
This recipe is a favorite because it’s a simple, delicious solution for those spotty, overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Unlike banana bread, which can be a bit fussier, these bars bake up quickly and evenly in a sheet pan, making them perfect for a crowd or for meal prepping a week’s worth of snacks. They have a tender, cake-like texture with a delightful chewiness, and the combination of banana and chocolate is an absolute crowd-pleaser. They’re great for breakfast, a midday snack, or a simple dessert.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these moist and delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bars:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 large bananas)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: A simple cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar
Swaps and Notes
- Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots are sweeter and easier to mash, which is perfect for this recipe.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works great. You can also use half whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is best so you can control the salt content. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a classic choice, but you can also use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a mix of white and dark for a different flavor profile.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming spice flavor.
- Topping: These bars are fantastic plain, but a simple cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar takes them to the next level.
Steps for the Recipe
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or a whisk, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and the mashed ripe bananas. Mix until just combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. If you’re adding frosting or powdered sugar, wait until they are fully cooled.
Tips for Success
- Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the more moisture and natural sweetness they’ll provide.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough, dense bars. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Properly Prepared Pan: Greasing and flouring or lining your pan with parchment paper will ensure the bars don’t stick and are easy to cut and remove.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the bars.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set up properly and prevents them from falling apart.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are perfect on their own, but they are also delicious with a variety of toppings and pairings. They make a great on-the-go breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea, or a simple dessert after dinner.
If you love sweet treats made with bananas, be sure to check out:
Storage and Leftover Tips
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
These bars also freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature for a quick and easy treat.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you appreciate easy-to-make, satisfying desserts and snacks, you’ll find more to love on ChefManiac.com:
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs are My Favorite Sweet Obsession – for an ultimate dessert experience.
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made a Lot) – a classic combination of flavors that’s hard to beat.
- This Edible Cookie Dough is My Favorite No-Bake Treat for Late Night Cravings – for a quick, sweet fix without turning on the oven.
- These Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are My Morning Time Saver – a delicious and convenient way to start your day.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are more than just a baked good; they’re a simple pleasure that brings a smile to everyone’s face. They’re proof that you can take simple ingredients and turn them into something truly special and delicious. Give this recipe a try, and get ready for a new favorite way to use up those ripe bananas!
What are your favorite ways to bake with bananas? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow ChefManiac.com for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes!
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars: A Sweet and Chewy Delight
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan before slicing into bars.
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