If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make treat that hits the perfect balance of chocolatey goodness and moist banana flavor, these Soft, Chewy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are just what you need! They’re a wonderful way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, and the addition of chocolate chips makes these bars simply irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a household favorite. Plus, they’re so simple to whip up, you’ll want to make them again and again.
Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced pro, this recipe is straightforward enough for anyone to follow. Best of all, these banana bars are made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients:
For the Bars:
- 1 ½ cups ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas, mashed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for a nutty crunch)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for extra warmth)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You can use a fork or a potato masher for this. Make sure there are no large chunks left, as you want the bars to be uniformly smooth.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
Add the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be slightly thick and creamy.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. If you’re adding cinnamon, mix it into the dry ingredients now. This ensures it will be evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make your bars dense instead of soft and chewy.
6. Add the Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout the batter. If you’re including walnuts or pecans, fold those in at this stage too.
7. Spread the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips on top to create a beautiful, melty chocolate layer.
8. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). The bars should be lightly golden on top.
9. Cool and Slice:
Once the bars are done baking, allow them to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares. If you try to slice them while they’re still warm, they might fall apart, so be patient!
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Banana Bars:
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Bananas with lots of brown spots are perfect for this recipe, as they’re sweeter and easier to mash. If your bananas aren’t ripe yet, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or using the oven ripening method (bake them at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until the skins turn black).
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in dense and tough bars. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the texture light and tender.
- Chocolate Chip Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips will work in this recipe. You could also mix in some peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips for a fun twist.
- Nut-Free Option: If you or someone in your family has a nut allergy, simply leave out the walnuts or pecans. The bars will still be deliciously chewy without them.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Banana Bars: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a rich and nutty flavor. You can also swirl some extra peanut butter on top before baking for a pretty and flavorful finish.
- Healthier Version: Swap out some of the sugar for honey or maple syrup, and replace the butter with coconut oil for a healthier take. You could even use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
- Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Serving Suggestions:
These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
- Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pair them with your morning coffee or tea for a sweet start to your day.
- Pack them into lunchboxes for an afternoon pick-me-up or as a school snack.
- Drizzle them with a bit of melted chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra special treat.
Storage and Freezing Tips:
- Storage: Once completely cooled, store the 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.
- Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully! After they’ve cooled, slice them into squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g
(Note: These values are approximate and can vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)
Wine & Beverage Pairing:
For an elevated treat, pair these banana bars with a chilled glass of Moscato or Riesling. Both wines have a sweet, fruity profile that complements the rich flavors of chocolate and banana beautifully. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try serving them with a cold glass of almond milk or a hot cup of herbal tea like chamomile or cinnamon spice
Soft, Chewy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
If you love banana bread but want something a little more portable and loaded with chocolate, these Soft, Chewy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are perfect for you! Imagine the rich, natural sweetness of bananas, the decadence of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a tender, chewy bite — all in one delicious square. Whether you’re looking for a snack, a dessert, or a way to use up those ripe bananas, this easy recipe will become one of your go-to favorites.
Banana bars are like the hybrid of banana bread and brownies — soft, flavorful, and easy to eat. They’re also incredibly versatile and can be made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. This recipe is also highly adaptable, so you can tweak it based on your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Ingredients Breakdown:
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and why they matter:
- Bananas: The star of this recipe, bananas not only add natural sweetness but also make the bars incredibly moist. The riper the bananas, the better — look for bananas that have lots of brown spots. Overripe bananas will mash easily and blend seamlessly into the batter.
- Sugar: We use granulated sugar for sweetness, but you could experiment with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and moisture to the bars. Using melted butter ensures that it mixes easily with the other ingredients. If you want a slightly healthier alternative, you can replace the butter with melted coconut oil.
- Egg: The egg provides structure and helps the bars hold together. If you’re vegan or avoiding eggs, you can substitute a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water).
- Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla adds warmth and enhances the flavor of both the bananas and the chocolate chips.
- All-Purpose Flour: Regular all-purpose flour is the base of this recipe, but you could experiment with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the bars rise and give them a soft, cake-like texture. Using both baking powder and soda ensures a good lift and even browning.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors in the recipe.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, but feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Before you start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper will help the bars release easily after baking. This step ensures you have a smooth baking process without the hassle of scraping stuck pieces off the pan.
2. Prepare the Bananas:
Grab your ripe bananas and mash them in a large bowl until they’re smooth. You can use a fork or a potato masher for this. Make sure you don’t leave large chunks — the smoother the bananas, the better the texture of your bars will be. Bananas that are too firm may make the bars a little dense, so opt for the ripest bananas you have.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In the bowl with the mashed bananas, add the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined. The butter should be fully incorporated, and the mixture should have a creamy texture. You’ll notice the banana smell intensifying as the ingredients mix together.
4. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. If you’re adding cinnamon (a great optional flavor enhancer), include it in this step to make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture into the banana mixture, stirring gently. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bars, so it’s okay if the batter still has a few lumps.
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
Now for the fun part! Fold in the chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix. You want the chocolate evenly distributed throughout the batter. At this point, you can also stir in any optional ingredients like chopped walnuts or pecans, which add a delightful crunch.
7. Pour and Spread the Batter:
Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula. To make these bars extra indulgent, sprinkle a few additional chocolate chips on top before baking. This will create that perfect melty layer of chocolate on the surface.
8. Bake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should be golden, and the bars should feel firm to the touch but not hard.
9. Cool and Slice:
Once the bars are baked to perfection, let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re cool, slice them into squares. If you cut them while still warm, the bars might crumble, so be patient!
Pro Tips for Perfect Bars:
- Use a Parchment Sling: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper that overhangs on the sides allows you to lift the entire batch of bars out of the pan once they’re cooled. This makes slicing easier and prevents sticking.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just be sure to bring the batter back to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
- Banana Hack: If you have underripe bananas and can’t wait for them to ripen naturally, bake them in their peels at 300°F for about 15 minutes. They’ll turn black, but inside, they’ll be soft and sweet — perfect for baking.
- Add Some Crunch: For extra texture, fold in some chopped nuts or even coconut flakes. This gives the bars a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the softness of the bananas.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
While these bars are definitely a treat, it’s always nice to know what you’re indulging in. The following nutritional information is for one serving (assuming you slice the batch into 16 squares):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g
Creative Variations:
1. Peanut Butter Banana Bars:
For a peanut buttery twist, swirl in ½ cup of creamy peanut butter into the batter before baking. The combination of banana, chocolate, and peanut butter is unbeatable! Alternatively, you could add peanut butter chips for an extra pop of flavor.
2. Healthy Banana Bars:
To make these bars a little healthier, substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, or use a mix of all-purpose and oat flour. You can also swap out the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener. Use dark chocolate chips for a lower sugar content and healthier fats.
3. Vegan Banana Bars:
Make the recipe vegan by using a flax egg (mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken). Use dairy-free chocolate chips and replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
How to Store and Freeze:
Storage:
Once completely cooled, these banana bars will stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. For extended freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing:
To freeze, allow the bars to cool completely, then cut them into squares. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for a quick snack.
Serving Suggestions:
These banana bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few fun serving ideas:
- Warm with Ice Cream: Serve a warm square with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Drizzle with Caramel: A little bit of caramel sauce drizzled on top of the bars makes for an extra indulgent treat.
- Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt: If you’re a fan of salty-sweet combinations, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top before serving.
History and Cultural Background:
Bananas and chocolate have long been a match made in heaven, but their histories are worlds apart. Bananas, originally native to Southeast Asia, became a staple in the Americas in the late 19th century, often used in baking for their natural sweetness and moisture. Chocolate, on the other hand, has a rich history tracing back to the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, where cacao beans were used to make a bitter, frothy beverage.
Combining bananas and chocolate in desserts became popular as global trade made both ingredients more accessible. In recent decades, banana bread surged in popularity, particularly during times when home baking took center stage, such as during the Great Depression and most recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic. These banana bars are a natural extension of that comfort baking tradition — a more convenient, hand-held version of everyone’s favorite quick bread.
Wine and Beverage Pairings:
For an adult treat, pair these bars with a sweet Moscato or Riesling, which complement the sweetness of the bananas and chocolate. If you’re enjoying them as a snack, they go wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or almond milk. For coffee lovers, a strong cup of espresso or cappuccino balances out the richness of the chocolate.
