Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a treat that’s cozy, gooey, and bursting with nostalgic flavors, look no further than Chocolate Chip Banana Bars. Imagine the sweet aroma of ripe bananas meeting melty pockets of chocolate, all packed into a golden, soft-baked bar. These are far from just another dessert—you can enjoy them as a midday pick-me-up, a lunchbox favorite, or even a not-so-guilty breakfast. In my home, they disappear faster than I can bake them. If you love the combination of chocolate and banana, these bars will make you (and everyone you share them with) incredibly happy.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Chocolate Chip Banana Bars is how simple the ingredient list is—yet every single component plays a crucial role. Fresh, everyday staples come together for layers of flavor and texture that make each bite irresistible.

• Ripe bananas: Overripe bananas pack the bars with natural sweetness and moisture, giving them that unmistakable banana bread flavor.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Melted butter brings richness and helps bind everything together for a perfectly tender bar.
• Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and helps keep the bars chewy.
• Granulated sugar: Provides just the right amount of extra sweetness and balances the brown sugar.
• Egg: Acts as the glue, binding the bars and ensuring they aren’t too crumbly.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile with a warm, inviting aroma.
• All-purpose flour: The essential structure, holding everything together without weighing the bars down.
• Baking soda: Gives the bars a little lift for a soft, cake-like texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors, preventing the bars from tasting flat.
• Ground cinnamon: Just a pinch makes the banana and chocolate sing with a subtle warmth.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Melts into gooey puddles throughout—use extra for a truly decadent top.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this is the magic temperature for golden, evenly baked bars. Take a moment to grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. I always recommend parchment for easy lifting and clean slices, but a little nonstick spray works in a pinch too.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and mash those ripe bananas until mostly smooth (some small bits are perfectly fine, and add nice texture). Whisk in the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until everything is glossy and well combined. Crack in the egg and tip in the vanilla, giving it another good whisk—this step sets the stage for the softest possible bars.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This quick step ensures your leavening is scattered throughout, preventing any dense pockets later on. The cinnamon will smell amazing—trust me, it’s tempting to sneak a taste!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Sprinkle the dry mixture over the wet mixture and gently stir just until combined—don’t overmix, or you’ll lose that dreamy, tender crumb. Scoop in the semisweet chocolate chips and fold them through, making sure every spoonful of batter gets a chocolatey boost.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or spoon. If you like, scatter a handful of extra chocolate chips over the surface—it makes the bars look (and taste) irresistible. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing—though waiting is the hardest part!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Garnishes

For a simple but special finish, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate. A sprinkle of flaked sea salt takes the sweet-and-salty game to another level. For extra crunch, try some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking.

Side Dishes

A cold glass of milk is a classic companion, but trust me, Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are just as good with a hot cup of coffee or a chai latte. For a brunch spread, pair them with fresh berries, creamy Greek yogurt, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into small squares for lunchbox snacks, or stack them into a tower for dramatic effect on a dessert tray. Make them party-ready by wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying with twine. Want a truly decadent treat? Warm a bar in the microwave and top with a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Chocolate Chip Banana Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay moist and soft, and the flavors actually deepen a bit after the first day—if they last that long!

Freezing

These bars freeze incredibly well. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When a craving hits, you’ll thank yourself for stashing some away!

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked magic, zap a bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. You can also warm several bars on a baking sheet in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes. The chocolate goes gooey and the banana aroma fills the kitchen all over again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen bananas first, then drain off any excess liquid before mashing. They work beautifully and often have an even deeper banana flavor.

What if I want to make these gluten-free?

Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite one-to-one gluten-free flour blend. The bars will be just as tender and flavorful—no one will guess they’re gluten-free!

Can I add nuts or change the mix-ins?

Definitely. Chopped walnuts or pecans are delicious here, adding crunch. You can also try white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or dried fruit as creative mix-ins.

Why are my bars too dense or gummy?

This usually happens from overmixing the batter or not measuring the flour accurately. Stir gently and make sure to spoon and level your flour for best results.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Look for the edges to be set and slightly pulling away from the pan. Insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not raw batter.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, you can’t go wrong with Chocolate Chip Banana Bars. They’re simple to whip up, yet unbelievably satisfying—once you try them, I bet they’ll be on repeat in your kitchen too. Grab those ripe bananas and get baking!

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