If you’re on the hunt for a delicious treat that blends the comforting flavors of bananas with melty pockets of chocolate, this Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. These bars capture the best of banana blondies—tender, moist, and perfectly sweetened, making them an excellent way to transform overripe bananas into a crowd-pleasing dessert or snack. Whether you’re baking for your family or craving a cozy homemade indulgence, these bars are guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in making these banana bars so irresistible. From the creamy butter that creates a tender texture to the ripe bananas that add natural sweetness and moisture, each component builds layers of flavor and a wonderful soft crumb.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Using room temperature butter ensures easier creaming with the sugar for a light, fluffy batter.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup): Adds a subtle molasses note that complements the bananas and enhances moisture retention.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder and adds richness to the bars.
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (1 1/2 tsp): Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile, balancing the sweetness.
- Fine salt (1/2 tsp): Elevates all of the sweet ingredients by contrasting and enhancing the overall taste.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The structural base that holds everything together with a tender crumb.
- Mashed overripe bananas (1 cup): Provides natural sweetness, moisture, and characteristic banana flavor—be sure to use ripe bananas for the best results.
- Chocolate chips (3/4 cup): Mini or chopped chocolate chips melt into little pockets of sweetness that make every bite special.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray. This setup ensures your bars release easily when baked and that cleanup is a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and packed light brown sugar at medium-high speed for about 2 minutes. You want the mixture to turn lighter in color and become fluffy. This step creates the perfect base texture for your bars.
Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Salt
Next, add the large egg, vanilla extract or bean paste, and fine salt to the creamed mixture. Mix on medium-low speed until everything is fully combined, making sure to occasionally scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl so all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour
Reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the bars tender and soft.
Step 5: Fold in Bananas and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mashed overripe bananas until you see no streaks of flour and the batter looks evenly combined. Then, fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a small handful to sprinkle on top of the batter before baking for that extra chocolatey finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the top. Bake for 33 to 37 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Remember to rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. Once cooled, carefully lift the parchment paper to remove the entire block and slice into 16 squares with a sharp, warm knife. Wiping the blade after each cut helps make tidy, neat bars.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an elegant touch. For a fresh contrast, add a few sliced bananas or a handful of chopped nuts on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. They also go wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea, making them a comforting snack for any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the bars alongside fresh berries or layer them in a trifle dish with whipped cream and fruit for a beautiful layered dessert. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve as part of a dessert platter or party snack table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars keep well at room temperature for a few days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week to maintain freshness and prevent the banana from over-ripening further.
Freezing
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To enjoy the bars warm, microwave a single serving for 15 to 20 seconds or reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This brings out the softness and melts the chocolate chips delightfully.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar in the Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar, but brown sugar adds a richer, caramel-like flavor and contributes to the moist texture, so your bars may be slightly different in taste and texture.
What kind of bananas work best for this recipe?
Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots are perfect because they are sweeter and softer, which helps keep the bars moist and flavorful.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the bars?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut can be folded into the batter to add crunch and extra flavor.
Are these bars gluten-free?
In this recipe, all-purpose flour is used, so they’re not gluten-free as is. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend one-for-one, though the texture might vary slightly.
How do I know when the Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are done baking?
Look for golden brown edges and a toothpick inserted into the center coming out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—it shouldn’t come out wet with batter.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s simple yet utterly delicious, this Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe is definitely a winner. It’s a perfect way to use up those overripe bananas with a straightforward recipe that always delivers tender, moist bars bursting with chocolate goodness. I encourage you to give it a try and watch how quickly these bars become a favorite in your household!
Print
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
Description
These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are moist, tender, and bursting with banana flavor, tasting just like banana blondies. Perfect for using up ripe bananas, they combine the richness of brown sugar and butter with gooey chocolate chips for a delightful treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed light brown sugar using a stand or hand mixer at medium-high speed for about 2 minutes, until the mixture turns lighter in color. Alternatively, use a whisk if mixing by hand, ensuring the butter is very soft.
- Add Egg, Vanilla, and Salt: Mix in the large egg, vanilla extract, and fine salt at medium-low speed until all ingredients are combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing.
- Incorporate Flour: Add the all-purpose flour to the mixture and mix on low speed just until combined—do not overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Fold in Mashed Banana: Gently fold the mashed overripe bananas into the batter until fully incorporated, adding moisture and natural sweetness.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chopped chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top of the batter before baking to create a lovely chocolatey crust.
- Transfer Batter and Garnish: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top and sprinkling the reserved chocolate chips evenly over the surface.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 33 to 37 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and Cut: Remove the pan from the oven and cool it on a wire rack. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for best texture. Once cool, carefully lift them out using the parchment paper, then cut into 16 squares using a sharp, warm knife. Wipe the knife blade clean between cuts to achieve neat edges.
- Storage: Store the bars at room temperature in an airtight container for a few days, or refrigerate for up to one week, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in a sealed container.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
- A sharp, warm knife helps cut clean bars without crumbling.
- You can substitute mini chocolate chips if preferred.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to maintain shape.
- These bars can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Brownies & Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
