Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a mouthwatering bake that lands somewhere between classic banana bread and ultra-chewy blondies, the Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe is here to shake up your dessert (or breakfast) routine! These rich, buttery bars are studded with plenty of chocolate chips and boast the perfect balance of moist banana flavor and gooey decadence in every bite. With quick prep, simple ingredients, and a payoff that rivals your favorite bakery treat, this recipe is pure comfort with a playful twist—ideal for sharing, snacking, or sweet breakfasts on the go.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe really lies in how a handful of kitchen staples transform into a dessert that feels extra special. Every ingredient has its purpose: to add moisture, texture, or a pop of sweet flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters.

• Unsalted butter: Gives these bars their rich, tender crumb while adding unbeatable buttery flavor.
• All purpose flour: Provides structure and chew for the bars, keeping them sturdy but soft.
• Baking powder: Lifts the batter just enough for a soft, blondie-like texture.
• Salt: Balances all the sweetness and brings out the best in the bananas and chocolate.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note, enhancing both richness and color.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and gives body to your bars.
• Mashed bananas: The star player—ripe bananas bring moisture, sweetness, and that classic banana flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and gives the bars an extra layer of warmth.
• Mini chocolate chips: Disperse sweet, melty chocolate throughout every bite and make the top look irresistibly inviting.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350 F (177 C), and then line an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper along the bottom and two sides. This not only prevents sticking but also makes it a breeze to lift the bars out later for slicing. Give yourself bonus points for leaving a little overhang—you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to serve!

Step 2: Melt and Cool the Butter

Pop your butter into a microwave-safe bowl and melt it for a minute. Stir and, if necessary, give it another 15-second burst until fully melted. Let the melted butter cool for 10-15 minutes—this keeps your egg from scrambling and makes mixing a dream.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate mixing bowl. This step helps distribute the leavening and salt so your bars rise evenly and taste perfectly balanced.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the cooled melted butter with the light brown sugar until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. Add the egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract, whisking until everything is thoroughly combined. Don’t worry if it looks a bit curdled at this stage—once you add the dry ingredients, your batter will smooth right out!

Step 5: Combine Everything and Fold in Chips

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, about half at a time, using a spatula or spoon. This approach keeps your batter tender. Fold in most of the mini chocolate chips, saving a handful to sprinkle over the top for extra visual appeal and pockets of melty chocolate.

Step 6: Spread, Top, and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth it out evenly. Scatter those reserved mini chocolate chips across the surface for an inviting finish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let your bars cool completely in the pan—this makes them easier to lift out and slice cleanly. Once cooled, grab those parchment overhangs and carefully lift the bars out onto a cutting board. Slice into generous squares and dive in!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of chocolate sauce instantly elevates these bars for a special treat. You can also add a few delicate banana slices or scatter extra mini chocolate chips on top right before serving—presentation matters, and a little flair goes a long way!

Side Dishes

These treats work beautifully with a morning cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a mug of hot cocoa if you’re feeling extra cozy. For dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent restaurant-style finish. Their balanced sweetness pairs perfectly with tangy Greek yogurt for breakfast, too!

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting brunch or a party? Cut the bars into mini bites and arrange on a platter with toothpicks. You can also pile slices into jars with a swirl of whipped cream for an adorable parfait, or wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for lunchbox treats or edible gifts. The Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe adapts beautifully to any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three or four days. Just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing them up to preserve that perfect chewy-moist texture everyone loves.

Freezing

For longer storage, stash your bars in the freezer! Wrap individual squares in parchment or plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag or sealed container. Frozen, they’ll keep well for about a month and can be thawed at room temperature whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

To enjoy that freshly-baked warmth, pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds straight from room temp (or about 20-25 from frozen). This melts the chocolate chips just a touch and brings the soft, buttery banana flavor back to center stage.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini?

Yes! Regular chocolate chips work perfectly in this Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe. The minis just ensure you get more chocolate in every bite, but larger chips will still melt beautifully and create lovely pockets of gooeyness.

What if my bananas aren’t ripe enough?

If your bananas are a little too firm, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a paper bag for a few hours or even popping them (peel and all) in a warm oven for about 10 minutes. Riper bananas mean more natural sweetness and a stronger banana flavor in your bars.

Can I make this recipe dairy free?

Definitely! Swap in a plant-based butter for the unsalted butter and be sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips. The results are just as scrumptious, with all the chewy banana goodness you expect.

Can I double the Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely—just double every ingredient and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on your bake time, as a larger batch may take a few extra minutes in the oven, but watch for that golden, set edge and the trusty toothpick test.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Look for firm, golden edges and a center that doesn’t wobble when gently shaken. Insert a toothpick in the middle: if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bars are ready for their well-deserved cooldown!

Final Thoughts

If you have some ripe bananas and a craving for a simple, soul-satisfying bake, this Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe will absolutely win you over. The buttery, chewy texture paired with pockets of melty chocolate is pure magic. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s my not-so-secret favorite!

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