If you’ve been searching for a homey, irresistibly moist treat that marries the natural sweetness of bananas with the rich allure of chocolate, this Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfectly soft, packed with the warm spice of cinnamon and studded with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips, these bars are a simple yet indulgent delight you’ll find yourself making over and over. Whether you’re baking to brighten a gloomy afternoon or craving a snack with a nostalgic twist, these bars deliver every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together to create a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial part — from the ripe bananas bringing natural sweetness and moisture, to the cinnamon adding just a whisper of warmth, and the chocolate chips that create those delicious pockets of melty goodness.
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed): Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and makes the bars tender.
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed): Offers a subtle molasses note and deep sweetness.
- 1 large egg: Binds all ingredients together and helps with structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and aroma.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the body and light crumb of the bars.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice element.
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Creates irresistible pockets of melted chocolate.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bars from sticking. This simple step ensures your bars come out cleanly and look as good as they taste.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The bananas lend moisture and sweetness while the melted butter adds a luscious texture that’s hard to resist.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing these separately helps distribute the leavening and spices evenly throughout the batter, ensuring each bite has that perfect balance of flavor.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bars tender. This is when the magic happens — the flour absorbs the moisture, forming the soft, cakey base you’re craving.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly dispersed. These chocolate chips will melt slightly during baking, creating those decadent little bites that make this recipe extra special.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As the bars bake, your kitchen will fill with the comforting aroma of banana and warm cinnamon.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Cooling helps set their soft, tender texture so they hold together perfectly without falling apart.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top or drizzle with melted chocolate. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes these bars feel like dessert royalty.
Side Dishes
Pair your chocolate chip banana bars with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. They also go wonderfully with fresh fruit on the side, like sliced strawberries or a handful of blueberries to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the bars warm with a side of vanilla yogurt or cream cheese frosting for breakfast or brunch. For a fun twist, sandwich two bars with peanut butter or Nutella for a gooey, chocolatey snack that’s sure to impress everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chocolate chip banana bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep them soft and moist, preserving their delicious texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, freeze them in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly before serving for the best experience.
Reheating
Reheat individual bars gently in a microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven until warmed through. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and makes the chocolate chips wonderfully melty again.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots are perfect because they are sweeter and softer, which contributes to the moistness and natural sweetness of the bars.
What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips?
You can substitute with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference. Each gives a different flavor twist but works beautifully in this recipe.
How do I make these bars cakier?
For a cakier texture, increase the flour to 1 ¼ cups. This adjustment gives the bars a slightly firmer crumb while keeping them soft and tender inside.
Can I add nuts to the Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a wonderful addition, adding crunch and depth of flavor. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips before baking.
Are these bars suitable for freezing?
Definitely. These bars freeze well and can be stored for up to 2 months. Just thaw and warm them slightly before enjoying.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. From simple snacks to make-ahead treats, these bars are easy to whip up and hard to resist. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch, share it with your loved ones, and make some sweet memories!
Print
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a deliciously moist and sweet treat perfect for using ripe bananas. With a tender crumb infused with cinnamon and loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, they make an easy dessert or snack that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Add-ins
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir together until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the bars tough.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter to ensure every bite has a chocolatey surprise.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly for consistent baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into 9 squares for neat and easy serving.
Notes
- For a cakier texture, increase the flour to 1 ¼ cups.
- Optional additions: Add chopped walnuts for crunch or swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
