Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the rich flavors of chocolate and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. As a long-time fan of baking, I can confidently say that these bars are not just a dessert; they are a comforting slice of nostalgia that many of us grew up with. Originating from the classic banana bread recipe, these bars have evolved into a beloved favorite in many households, offering a convenient way to enjoy the flavors we love in a portable form.
What makes Chocolate Chip Banana Bars so irresistible is their moist texture and the delightful contrast of gooey chocolate chips against the soft banana base. They are incredibly easy to whip up, making them a go-to option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a sweet ending to your meal, these bars are sure to please everyone. Join me as we dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe that will have you reaching for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Preparing the Batter
Let’s get started on these delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bars! First, I like to preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready for our batter when we’re done mixing.
- In a large mixing bowl, I begin by mashing the ripe bananas. I find that using a fork works perfectly for this. I aim for a smooth consistency, but a few small lumps are okay; they add character!
- Next, I pour in the melted butter. It’s important that the butter is not too hot, or it might cook the egg when we add it. I let it cool for a minute before mixing it in.
- Now, I add the granulated sugar to the banana and butter mixture. I stir it well until everything is combined. The sugar will help to sweeten the bars and create a lovely texture.
- After that, I crack in the large egg and add the vanilla extract. I whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it helps to incorporate air into the batter, making the bars light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, I combine the dry ingredients: baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour. I like to whisk them together to ensure they are evenly distributed. This helps to avoid any clumps of baking soda in the final product.
- Now, I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I fold them in gently using a spatula. It’s important not to overmix at this stage; I stop as soon as I see no more flour streaks. Overmixing can lead to dense bars, and we want them to be soft and tender!
Adding Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Now comes the fun part—adding the chocolate chips! I love using semi-sweet chocolate chips for that perfect balance of sweetness.
- I fold in the chocolate chips gently, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. If I’m feeling adventurous, I might also add in the chopped walnuts at this stage for a bit of crunch. It’s totally optional, but I find that they complement the chocolate and banana flavors beautifully.
Preparing the Baking Pan
Before we pour our batter into the baking pan, I like to prepare it to ensure the bars come out easily.
- I take a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it with a little butter or cooking spray. Alternatively, I sometimes line it with parchment paper for easy removal. If I use parchment paper, I make sure to leave some overhang on the sides, which makes lifting the bars out a breeze once they’re baked.
Baking the Bars
With the batter ready and the pan prepared, it’s time to bake!
- I pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. I make sure to smooth the top so that the bars bake evenly.
- Now, I place the pan in the preheated oven and set a timer for 25-30 minutes. I like to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!
- Once baked, I remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling time is essential as it allows the bars to set up a bit before cutting.
Assembling and Serving
After the bars have cooled slightly, it’s time to cut and serve!
- I carefully lift the bars out
Conclusion:
In summary, these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a deliciously sweet treat that’s also incredibly easy to make. The combination of ripe bananas and rich chocolate chips creates a moist, flavorful bar that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter! For serving suggestions, I love to enjoy these bars warm, straight from the oven, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to the batter for a unique twist. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the delightful flavors for yourself. Once you’ve baked your own batch of Chocolate Chip Banana Bars, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Happy baking! Print
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Treat
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
Description
Enjoy these soft and chewy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars, packed with the delightful flavors of ripe bananas and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they are easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
Scale- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, leaving a few lumps for texture.
- Pour in the melted butter (cooled slightly) and mix well.
- Add the granulated sugar and stir until combined.
- Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before lifting them out and cutting into squares.
Notes
- Feel free to customize these bars by adding your favorite mix-ins, such as dried fruit or different types of nuts.
- You can also substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
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