Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Name: Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g); 1 cup packed light brown sugar (200g); 1 large egg (56g); 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (6g); 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g); 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g); 1 cup mashed overripe banana (250g); 3/4 cup chocolate chips (125g)

Published: July 13, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: These bars blend the sweetness of banana with the richness of chocolate for a truly satisfying dessert.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for snack time, dessert after dinner, or even breakfast on-the-go.
Ripe Banana Friendly: A great way to use overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves chocolate chip treats; these bars are sure to impress family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the right tools ready. This will enhance your baking experience and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Baking pan (9×9 inches)
Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without spills.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.
Baking pan: The right size helps in achieving even baking; a 9×9 inch pan is ideal for this recipe.

Ingredients

For the Base

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)

For the Banana Layer

1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
1 cup mashed overripe banana – about 2 large bananas (250g)

For the Chocolate Chips

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

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your bars bake evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease your 9×9 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add in the egg, vanilla, and salt. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour and mashed banana.
2. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chopped chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake in preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy your delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bars!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Chocolate chip banana bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their moist texture and sweet flavor make them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack or a special dessert.

With Fresh Fruit

Banana Slices: Top each bar with fresh banana slices for an extra burst of flavor.
Berries: Serve alongside strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.

With Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm bars.
Chocolate Ice Cream: For chocolate lovers, chocolate ice cream enhances the rich flavors of the bars.

As a Breakfast Option

With Yogurt: Crumble the bars over a bowl of yogurt for a quick and tasty breakfast.
With Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on top for added protein and flavor.

Drizzled with Sauce

Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of chocolate sauce adds richness and indulgence to each bite.
Caramel Sauce: Sweet caramel sauce creates a deliciously sticky finish.

How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

To ensure your chocolate chip banana bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, ensuring consistency in texture.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the bars tender and prevent them from becoming tough.
Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool fully before slicing to maintain their shape and moisture.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Pairing side dishes with chocolate chip banana bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balance to the rich flavors of the bars.
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream provides a creamy contrast that’s delightful alongside each bite.
Nut Mix: A combination of almonds, walnuts, or pecans offers crunch and complements the soft texture of the bars.
Chia Seed Pudding: This nutritious pudding adds texture and is a great way to introduce healthy ingredients into your dessert spread.
Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs surprisingly well with sweet desserts, adding depth to your flavor profile.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea can enhance the enjoyment of your chocolate chip banana bars after dinner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chocolate Chip Banana Bars, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some to watch out for:

Skipping ripe bananas: Using underripe bananas can result in less flavor and sweetness. Always use overripe bananas for the best taste.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Ensure you measure your ingredients precisely for consistent results.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough bars. Stir until just combined for a tender texture.
Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your temperature is accurate.
Neglecting cooling time: Cutting into the bars too soon can cause them to fall apart. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Layer parchment paper between bars to prevent sticking.

Freezing Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat bars for about 10 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Chip Banana Bars:

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly. Start with a mix of both flours if desired.

How do I know when my Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are done?

The edges will be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your bars by adding walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit along with the chocolate chips.

What if I don’t have chocolate chips?

You can chop up chocolate bars or use cocoa nibs as an alternative. Both options will yield delicious results!

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make. They are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. You can customize them by adding nuts or swapping in different types of chocolate. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful flavors of banana and chocolate!

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