Name: Banana Chocolate Chip Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips

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These soft and moist banana chocolate chip bars are a delightful treat, combining ripe bananas with melty chocolate chips for a perfect dessert or snack. They are easy to make and bring a touch of sweetness to any occasion.

Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

½ cup brown sugar, packed

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup chocolate chips

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing or lining an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, I cream together the mashed bananas, butter, and brown sugar until smooth and fully combined.

Next, I add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring until it’s well combined.

In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually, I add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

I fold in the chocolate chips gently.

Then, I pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

I bake it for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

After baking, I let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 12 bars

Calories: 210 kcal per bar

Variations

Add nuts: I sometimes throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.

Use dark chocolate: If I want a richer flavor, I swap the chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips.

Vegan version: I replace the egg with a flaxseed egg and use dairy-free butter for a vegan-friendly treat.

Spices: For a spiced twist, I add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want them to last longer, I keep them in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, I simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up, making them just as delicious as when they were fresh out of the oven!

FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be for these bars?

I recommend using bananas that are ripe, but not overripe. They should have brown spots but still be firm enough to mash easily. The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bars will be!

Can I freeze banana chocolate chip bars?

Yes! I love freezing them for later. Once they’ve cooled, I cut them into bars and place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, just leave them at room temperature for a few hours or warm them in the microwave.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

I’ve tried whole wheat flour in this recipe, and it works great! The bars are slightly denser but still delicious. You can substitute it 1:1 for all-purpose flour.

How can I make the bars less sweet?

If I want a less sweet version, I reduce the amount of brown sugar by 1-2 tablespoons. The ripe bananas provide plenty of sweetness on their own.

Can I make these bars in a larger baking dish?

Yes, if I want to make a larger batch, I can use a 9x9-inch baking dish, but I’ll need to adjust the baking time. The bars might bake a little faster, so I’ll start checking them at 20 minutes.

Conclusion

These banana chocolate chip bars are a delicious and easy treat that I can whip up in no time. They’re moist, soft, and packed with the comforting flavors of bananas and chocolate. Whether I’m making them for a snack or a dessert, they’re always a hit! With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this recipe is one I return to again and again.

Recipe:

Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft and moist banana chocolate chip bars made with ripe bananas and melty chocolate chips for a perfect dessert or snack.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Cream together the mashed bananas, butter, and brown sugar until smooth and fully combined.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips gently.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.