Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

Name: Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ¾ cup light brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium bananas); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¾ cup mini chocolate chips

Published: November 25, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With only 15 minutes of prep time, these bars come together in no time.
Deliciously Chewy: The unique blondie-like texture makes every bite satisfying.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack.
Kid-Friendly: Packed with chocolate chips and banana goodness, kids will love these bars!
Great for Leftovers: These bars stay fresh for days, making them an excellent make-ahead option.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious chocolate chip banana bars, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your baking process is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Measuring cups
Whisk
Flexible spatula
8×8 inch baking pan

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients effectively without spilling.
Flexible spatula: Helps in evenly spreading the batter in the pan and scraping down the sides efficiently.

Ingredients

For the Base

½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
1 cup (120 g) all purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

For Sweetness and Flavor

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

For Extra Indulgence

¾ cup (128 g) mini chocolate chips, divided

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 F (177 C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper along the bottom and two sides.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Place the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt it in the microwave for about 1 minute. Stir and heat again for another 15 seconds if needed. Allow it to cool for about 10 – 15 minutes until warm but not hot.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Ensure they are well combined.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the cooled butter with the light brown sugar. Add in the egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Don’t worry if it looks slightly curdled; it will come together once you add the dry ingredients.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually stir in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. It helps to add half of the dry ingredients at a time. Gently fold in most of the mini chocolate chips, reserving some for topping later.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Spread the banana batter evenly into your prepared pan using a flexible spatula. Sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips on top if desired.

Step 7: Bake

Bake your chocolate chip banana bars for about 30 – 35 minutes or until you can see that the edges are firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let your banana bars cool in the pan until they reach room temperature. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper edges, slice into squares, and enjoy!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

Chocolate chip banana bars are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, these bars are versatile and satisfying.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

Vanilla ice cream – The classic pairing that adds creaminess to the warm bars.
Chocolate ice cream – For chocolate lovers, this combo enhances the chocolatey goodness.

Drizzled with Nut Butter

Peanut butter – A rich and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the banana bars.
Almond butter – A lighter option that adds a subtle nuttiness.

Topped with Fresh Fruits

Sliced strawberries – Their freshness balances the sweetness of the bars.
Raspberries – Tartness from raspberries contrasts nicely with the chocolate chips.

As a Breakfast Treat

Served warm with coffee – Perfect for starting your day on a sweet note.
Paired with yogurt – Adds protein and creaminess for a balanced breakfast.

How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

Making perfect chocolate chip banana bars is easy with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your baking game.

Use ripe bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
Do not overmix – Mix just until combined to maintain a tender texture in your bars.
Check for doneness – Use a toothpick to test; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Cool completely before slicing – This allows the bars to set properly and makes cutting easier.
Store properly – Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days for best freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

Pairing side dishes with chocolate chip banana bars can enhance your snacking experience. Here are some great options:

Greek Yogurt – Creamy and rich, it adds protein and balances sweetness well.
Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits provides refreshing flavors and textures.
Granola – Crunchy granola offers a delightful contrast to the soft banana bars.
Cottage Cheese – High in protein, this creamy option complements the bar’s sweetness nicely.
Chia Seed Pudding – A nutritious side that pairs well with the flavors of banana and chocolate.
Smoothie Bowl – A thick fruit smoothie topped with nuts or seeds makes for a filling snack.
Oatmeal – Warm oatmeal on the side makes for a hearty breakfast option when served together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chocolate chip banana bars, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Avoid these mistakes for the best results.

Using Overripe Bananas: While ripe bananas are great, using overly brown ones can lead to overly sweet bars. Aim for bananas that are ripe but still firm.
Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can result in dense bars. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed for a lighter texture.
Not Prepping the Pan Properly: Skipping parchment paper can cause your bars to stick. Always line your pan to ensure easy removal and clean slices.
Ignoring Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for perfect bars every time.
Skipping Toppings: Forgetting to add extra chocolate chips on top means missing out on deliciousness! Always reserve some chocolate chips for finishing touches.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store chocolate chip banana bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

Wrap each bar separately in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and heat bars for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual bars on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for a couple of minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe so special?

These banana bars are moist and chewy, bringing together the delightful flavors of banana and chocolate in every bite.

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well! Just ensure they are well-mashed and excess moisture is drained.

How can I customize my Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe?

Feel free to add nuts, swap mini chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate, or even include spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Can I make these banana bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for deliciously gluten-free chocolate chip banana bars.

How do I know when my banana bars are done baking?

Your chocolate chip banana bars are done when the edges start to firm up, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.

Final Thoughts

These chocolate chip banana bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. They make an excellent snack or dessert option that can be customized to fit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try today and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card