These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a warm and sweet treat made with ripe bananas and rich chocolate chips. They’re easy to whip up and perfect for snacks or dessert!
I love how simple it is to make these bars! Just mix, pour, bake, and enjoy! Plus, they make my kitchen smell like a bakery. Who can resist? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key to this recipe. They’re sweeter and easier to mash. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening by placing them in a brown paper bag with an apple for a day or two.
Brown Sugar: It adds moisture and richness. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute regular sugar. Just add a tablespoon of molasses for every cup of white sugar to mimic that brown sugar flavor.
Butter: I recommend unsalted butter for best control over salt levels. If you need a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute; both will work well.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips give the perfect balance of sweetness. If you’re a dark chocolate lover, feel free to swap in dark chocolate chips. You can also use white chocolate or even butterscotch chips for a different twist!
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add great texture. If you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version, simply skip this ingredient or replace it with extra chocolate chips.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture When Mixing Ingredients?
The texture of your banana bars relies on how you mix the wet and dry ingredients. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix wet ingredients: Combine bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla well.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk baking soda, salt, and flour together thoroughly.
- Combine gently: Add the dry mix to the wet mixture gradually, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps your bars soft.
- Fold in those chocolate chips and nuts gently, keeping the mixture light and fluffy.
By following these steps, your banana bars will have that lovely, moist texture every time!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Batter:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 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
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll spend around 45 minutes getting these delicious bars ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with some butter or oil. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal later. This will help your bars come out perfectly.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, take those mashed bananas and add the melted butter. Stir them together until they’re well mixed. Next, add the packed brown sugar and mix until it’s fully combined. Then, toss in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing everything well until smooth.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour. Make sure there are no lumps! Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. You don’t want to overmix—just enough to bring it all together.
4. Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Nuts:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Gently fold in the chocolate chips, and if you’re using them, the chopped nuts as well. This will give your bars a wonderful texture and flavor!
5. Bake the Bars:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. When it’s done, the edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If it’s gooey, give it a few extra minutes.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once the bars are baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After they’re cooled, cut them into squares. Now, you’re ready to serve and enjoy your delicious chocolate chip banana bars!
Can I Use Other Types of Bananas?
Yes! While ripe bananas are recommended for their sweetness and moisture, you can use slightly overripe bananas too. Just make sure they are soft enough to mash easily. If they are too green, they won’t provide the same flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
No problem! You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar, but to mimic the molasses flavor, add a tablespoon of molasses for each cup of white sugar. Mix it well until it’s fully combined before adding it to your mixture.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add any mix-ins you like. Some great options include dried fruit, shredded coconut, or different types of chocolate chips (like dark or white chocolate). Just keep the total amount of mix-ins around 1 to 1.5 cups to ensure the texture of the bars remains consistent.
