Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Name: Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g); 1 cup packed light brown sugar (200g); 1 large egg (56g); 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (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)

Published: July 8, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these bars in no time!
Delicious Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and chocolate chips creates a sweet and satisfying taste.
Perfectly Moist Texture: These bars stay tender and moist, thanks to the mashed bananas.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast treat!
Ripe Banana Rescue: A fantastic way to use those overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delectable chocolate chip banana bars, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and ensure perfect results every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Baking pan (9×9 inch)
Rubber spatula
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is crucial for combining ingredients evenly.
Baking pan: A good quality baking pan ensures even baking and helps achieve the desired texture.
Rubber spatula: This tool makes it easy to fold in ingredients without overmixing.

Ingredients

These chocolate chip banana bars taste just like banana blondies! They’re tender, moist, and the perfect way to use up ripe bananas.

For the 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)

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential for ensuring your bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later on.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and brown sugar. Use a whisk to beat them together until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix well until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Bananas and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the mashed bananas and chocolate chips using a rubber spatula. Ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly before placing it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into bars. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bars!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Serving chocolate chip banana bars is a delightful experience, perfect for any occasion. These bars can be enjoyed as a sweet treat for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert after dinner. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your enjoyment.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

Scoop vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top of warm banana bars for a delightful contrast of flavors.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce adds extra sweetness and richness, making each bite irresistible.

Topped with Whipped Cream

Light and fluffy whipped cream enhances the moistness of the banana bars and makes for an elegant presentation.

Served with Fresh Fruit

Pair these bars with slices of fresh strawberries or bananas to add a refreshing element to the dish.

Accompanied by Nuts

Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the chocolate.

Enjoyed with Coffee or Tea

These bars make a perfect companion to your morning coffee or afternoon tea, enhancing both flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

To ensure your chocolate chip banana bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips. They will help achieve that ideal moist texture and rich flavor.

Use Overripe Bananas: The more spots on your bananas, the sweeter they are. Overripe bananas will enhance the flavor and moisture of the bars.
Don’t Overmix: Mix your batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of tender ones.
Check Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached. This ensures your bars are perfectly baked.
Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing. This helps them set up better and prevents them from falling apart.
Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate chips for unique twists on the classic recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Pairing side dishes with chocolate chip banana bars can create a well-rounded meal or snack experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:

Greek Yogurt: Creamy Greek yogurt complements the sweetness of the bars while adding protein.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings brightness and balance, enhancing the overall dessert.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce offers a sweet and buttery contrast that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides savory notes that balance out the sweetness of the banana bars.
Nut Butter Dip: Serve almond or peanut butter as a dip for an extra layer of flavor and healthy fats.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Create an ice cream sundae station where guests can customize their treats alongside banana bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when baking Chocolate Chip Banana Bars. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

Using unripe bananas: Unripe bananas will not give your bars the sweet, moist texture that overripe ones provide. Always use ripe bananas for the best results.
Skipping the room temperature ingredients: If your butter and egg are cold, they won’t mix properly, resulting in uneven batter. Always allow them to come to room temperature before mixing.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much flour or sugar can affect the texture of your bars. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of soft and chewy ones. Mix just until combined to keep them tender.
Ignoring baking time: Each oven is different, so keep an eye on your bars as they bake. Check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.

Refrigerator Storage

Store Chocolate Chip Banana Bars in an airtight container.
They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual bars on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds. This method is quick but may result in a slightly softer texture.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat. Add a tiny bit of butter and heat each bar for 2-3 minutes on each side until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen bananas for Chocolate Chip Banana Bars?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

How do I know when my Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are done?

Your bars are done when the edges are set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Can I add nuts to my Chocolate Chip Banana Bars?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would complement the chocolate flavor nicely. Just fold them into the batter before baking.

What can I substitute for chocolate chips?

You can use white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even dried fruit like raisins or cranberries if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are not only delicious but incredibly versatile. They make a lovely dessert or snack option any time of day. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins such as nuts or different types of chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it!

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