These Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a tasty treat made with ripe bananas and sweet chocolate chips. They are soft, chewy, and perfect for snacks or dessert!
Honestly, they disappear so fast at my house, I barely get a chance to enjoy them! I love them warm out of the oven with a glass of milk—absolutely delicious! 🍌🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are the star here! They add natural sweetness and moisture to your bars. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can quickly ripen them in the oven at 300°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the flavors balanced. If you’re in a pinch, coconut oil can work as a good substitute; it adds a subtle flavor that pairs nicely with bananas.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but you can use brown sugar for a richer taste. Honey or maple syrup could also be alternatives, just reduce the overall liquid in the recipe slightly.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are perfect for this recipe, but milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips can also work. If you’re looking for a healthier twist, try dark chocolate or even sugar-free varieties.
How Do You Get the Perfect Banana Bars Texture?
To achieve soft and chewy banana bars, mixing is key! Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding flour. Just fold until you see the flour disappear. It’s okay if there are still a few lumps. Over mixing can make the bars tough.
- Use a spatula to gently combine the ingredients; don’t whisk.
- After folding in the flour, immediately pour into the baking pan—this ensures they stay moist.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean but not dry. Perfectly baked bars are soft in the middle!
Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (130g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 10 minutes to cool in the pan. In total, you’ll need approximately 1 hour to enjoy these delicious banana bars from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper so the bars don’t stick!
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large bowl, take those ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until they are nice and smooth. The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be!
3. Add the Butter:
Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas. This adds richness and moisture to your bars. Mix well!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, mix in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well combined—this is going to be sweet!
5. Add the Flour:
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until you no longer see any dry flour. Your batter should be a little lumpy.
6. Mix in the Chocolate Chips:
Now it’s time for the best part—fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips! Make sure they are spread evenly throughout the batter.
7. Bake the Bars:
Pour your batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Put it in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean!
8. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy your easy chocolate chip banana bars!
FAQ for Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Can I Use Frozen Bananas?
Absolutely! If you have frozen bananas, just thaw them completely before mashing. It’s best to let them thaw in the fridge overnight or place them in a bowl of warm water for quicker thawing.
How Do I Store Leftover Banana Bars?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them in individual portions for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, though the texture may be slightly denser. Start with a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour if you want to maintain a lighter texture while getting added fiber!
How Can I Make These Bars Vegan?
To make these banana bars vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg). They’ll be deliciously vegan!
