Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of banana bread or blondies, you’ll absolutely love these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars! The texture is soft and chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness. The chocolate chips add a burst of indulgence, and the mashed bananas create a rich, moist base. These bars are simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and can easily be enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack throughout the day. Plus, they’re the perfect way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is lighter in color (about 2 minutes). You can also use a hand mixer for this step, or whisk by hand if your butter is very soft.

3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and fine salt, and mix until fully combined.

4. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until just combined.

5. Fold in the mashed bananas until evenly incorporated into the batter.

6. Gently fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top of the batter before baking.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top of the batter.

8. Bake for 33-37 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Be sure to rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even baking.

9. Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 16 squares with a sharp, warm knife.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 bars

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: You can experiment by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch. You could also mix in dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries, for added texture and flavor.

• Banana substitute: If you don’t have overripe bananas, you can mash regular bananas, though the bars might not be as moist.

• Vegan option: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and the egg with a flax egg or chia egg to make these bars vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

These bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container, or kept in the fridge for up to a week. To freeze, layer the bars between parchment paper and place them in an airtight container for up to a month. When reheating, simply microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their softness.

FAQs

1. How can I tell when the bars are done baking?

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

2. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before using them in the recipe.

3. Can I make these bars without chocolate chips?

Yes, you can omit the chocolate chips or use any mix-ins you prefer, such as nuts or dried fruit.

4. How do I cut the bars cleanly?

For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp, warm knife and wipe it with a paper towel after each cut.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake the bars in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time will be around 37-42 minutes.

6. Can I make these bars in advance?

Yes! These bars can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

7. What can I do with leftover bananas?

Leftover bananas can be used in smoothies, banana bread, or other baked goods. You can also freeze them for future use!

8. Can I use a glass baking dish instead of a metal one?

Yes, but if you’re using a glass dish, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and bake for about 5 minutes less.

9. Can I use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute coconut sugar for brown sugar, though it may slightly change the flavor and texture of the bars.

10. Are these bars gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free, but you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a perfect treat for any occasion. They offer the sweet, comforting flavors of banana bread with the indulgence of chocolate chips, making them a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack or a simple dessert, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!

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