Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

Chocolate chip banana bars are the ultimate treat for banana and chocolate lovers alike. These moist, flavorful bars are incredibly easy to make and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack. Whether you have overripe bananas to use up or simply crave a delicious homemade treat, this recipe is a must-try. Packed with the natural sweetness of bananas and the rich flavor of chocolate chips, these bars are sure to become a family favorite. Plus, they’re versatile, allowing for endless variations to suit your taste.

Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make these irresistible chocolate chip banana bars step-by-step!

Recipe Preparation Equipment

Before you start, make sure you have the following equipment ready:

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare these delicious chocolate chip banana bars:

• 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

How to Make Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Step-by-Step ?

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You can use a fork or a potato masher for this step.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) into the batter. Reserve a handful of chocolate chips to sprinkle on top before baking.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once completely cooled, cut into squares and serve.

Variations

1. Nutty Banana Bars: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
2. Double Chocolate Banana Bars: Mix in 1/4 cup of cocoa powder with the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
4. Vegan Banana Bars: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
5. Cinnamon Spice Banana Bars: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.

Cooking Notes

• Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in dense bars. Mix until just combined.
• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful snack.
• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
• Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet treat on the go.

Helpful Tips

• Use a light-colored baking pan to prevent the bars from over-browning.
• If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can ripen them quickly by baking them in the oven at 300°F for 15-20 minutes.
• For extra gooey bars, slightly underbake them by reducing the baking time by 2-3 minutes.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, for unique flavors.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

• Measure your flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, even slices.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile.
• For a richer taste, use browned butter instead of regular melted butter.

Related Recipes :

• Easy Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
• Easy Blueberry Pie Cookies Recipe
• How to Make a Delicious Cherry Smoothie ?
• Easy Snickers Caramel Apple Salad Recipe
• Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or can be frozen for longer storage.

3. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup, but keep in mind that the bars may be less sweet.

4. What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
You can substitute chocolate chips with raisins, dried cranberries, or even chopped nuts.

Conclusion

Chocolate chip banana bars are a simple, delicious, and versatile treat that everyone will love. With their moist texture, sweet banana flavor, and rich chocolate chips, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof and easy to customize.

Give it a try, and enjoy the delightful combination of bananas and chocolate in every bite!

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