These Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a sweet treat packed with delicious bananas and chocolate chips. They’re super soft and moist, making them the perfect snack or breakfast option!
I love whipping these up when my bananas are starting to get a little too ripe. They disappear so quickly; I often wish I had made a double batch! 🍌🍫
They’re easy to make—just mash the bananas, mix in the rest, and bake. Enjoying these warm out of the oven is the best part for me! So comforting and yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The star of the recipe! Use overripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor. If you don’t have bananas, you could also use applesauce (1/2 cup for every banana) for moisture.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness, but you could replace half with brown sugar for a deeper flavor with a hint of caramel. If you’re cutting sugar, consider using a sugar substitute that’s suitable for baking.
Unsalted Butter: Preferably use unsalted butter for better control of salt content. You can swap it for coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version!
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These give that delightful chocolate flavor. You could use dark chocolate for richer bars or milk chocolate for a sweeter taste. For a healthier option, try dark chocolate chips or carob chips.
How Do I Make Sure My Banana Bars Are Moist and Not Dry?
The key to moist banana bars is not to overmix and ensuring your bananas are properly mashed. Here’s how:
- Mix the butter and sugar until fluffy, but don’t overdo it.
- Add eggs separately for even incorporation, then gently mix in the bananas.
- When combining dry and wet ingredients, stir just until blended; lumps are okay!
- Check for doneness with a toothpick—remove them from the oven as soon as it comes out clean to avoid drying.
Trust me, with these tips, you’ll have wonderfully soft and moist chocolate chip banana bars that everyone will love!
Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Time Needed
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes of baking, plus some cooling time before serving. In total, you can expect about 1 hour to have these delicious bars ready to enjoy!
Instructions
1. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the bars later.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and the mashed bananas until everything is nicely blended.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour.
4. Mix Dry with Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the banana mixture, stirring gently just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy! Then, fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed in the batter.
5. Bake the Bars:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. When cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy your moist, flavorful chocolate chip banana bars! They are perfect as a snack or a sweet treat any time of day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen bananas, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They can add a great level of moisture to your bars!
How Can I Make These Bars Healthier?
You can easily make these bars healthier by reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup or using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour is another option for added nutrition.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover banana bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or foil!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Sure! Feel free to add your favorite nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, along with the chocolate chips for extra crunch and flavor. You could also mix in dried fruit like raisins or coconut flakes for a twist!
