Hey y'all! If you love gooey, chocolatey treats that come together with pantry staples, these Banana Chocolate Chip Bars are about to be your new go-to. They're the ultimate comfort dessert—soft, chewy, brimming with sweet banana flavor, and loaded with pockets of melted chocolate. These bars are perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or as a cozy dessert on any night of the week. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Super moist and chewy, thanks to ripe bananas.
- Quick and easy—no mixer required and ready in just 30 minutes!
- Versatile enough for dessert, brunch, or snacking.
- Perfect for using up overripe bananas sitting on the counter.
- Rich chocolate chips in every bite make them irresistible for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (195g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (170g) semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Pan & Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch (23cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined—don't overmix! Fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 5: Bake
Spread the thick, luscious batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 25-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect).
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use extra ripe bananas for the sweetest, most flavorful bars—the more brown spots, the better!
- Don't overbake; slightly underbaked bars stay soft and fudgy.
- Lining your pan with parchment makes cleanup a breeze and bars easier to lift out and slice.
Variations
- Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Dollop ¼ cup peanut butter over the batter and swirl before baking.
- Double Chocolate: Substitute ¼ cup flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for chocolatey bars.
Required Equipment
- 9x9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Whisk and spatula
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions
Store Banana Chocolate Chip Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week. Freeze (wrapped individually and placed in a freezer bag) for up to 2 months—thaw at room temperature before serving.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or cold milk for a cozy snack.
- Pack into lunchboxes for a sweet midday treat.
Pro Tips
- Let your bars cool fully before slicing for clean, perfect squares every time.
- Add a sprinkle of flaky salt on top before baking to elevate the chocolate flavor.
- For neater bars, use a plastic knife to slice—less sticking!
FAQ
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Yes! Swap up to half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier, heartier texture.
- Can I make these bars dairy-free?
- Absolutely. Substitute the butter for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- How do I know when the bars are done?
- The bars are ready when the edges are golden and a toothpick poked in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 25-28 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Add melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
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3In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
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4Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
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5Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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6Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars and serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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