These Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a yummy treat! Made with ripe bananas and gooey chocolate chips, they’re soft and perfectly sweet—great for snack time!
Honestly, they disappear fast in my house. I love making them when I have overripe bananas; it’s like baking magic! Want a tip? Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The star of this recipe! The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. You can substitute other pureed fruit like applesauce in a pinch, but bananas really give the best taste and texture.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and moisture. You can swap it with brown sugar for a richer flavor or use coconut sugar for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that it might change the texture a bit!
Butter: Unsalted is best for controlling the salt flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. They work great in this recipe!
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet is my go-to, but feel free to mix it up! Dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips can work beautifully. You could also use nuts or dried fruit as a tasty alternative.
How Do I Ensure My Banana Bars Are Moist and Delicious?
Getting that perfect moist texture is key! Here are some tips:
- Use very ripe bananas—spots on the peel are a good sign!
- Try not to overmix the batter. Stir until just combined to keep the bars tender.
- Keep an eye on baking time. Pull them out when a toothpick comes out clean but don’t wait too long to avoid drying out.
- Let them cool slightly before cutting. This helps them set up and makes them easier to slice.
Enjoy baking these delightful bars! They make for an excellent snack or dessert.
Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semisweet or milk chocolate)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking time. Allow an additional 10 minutes for the bars to cool before serving. So, in total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, you can get your pan ready. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking. This will help keep your delicious bars intact!
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until they are nice and smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be!
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and looks fluffy. This step helps build that great flavor!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the baking soda is evenly distributed, which helps your bars rise perfectly.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
6. Add Chocolate Chips:
Now it’s time for the fun part—fold in the chocolate chips! Gently mix them into the batter so they are evenly distributed without breaking them up.
7. Bake Your Bars:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them! When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, they are done.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. After cooling, cut them into squares, serve, and enjoy the deliciousness!
These bars are soft with a moist crumb, and the chocolate chips add delicious bursts of sweetness in every bite. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a sweet treat anytime! Enjoy! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them first. Once thawed, drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas work well because they’re naturally sweeter and mash easily!
How Do I Store Leftover Banana Bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well—just wrap them tightly and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months!
Can I Substitute the Sugar in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use brown sugar for a richer flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that using different sugars can slightly alter the taste and texture, but they will still be delicious!
What Can I Add to the Recipe for Extra Flavor?
For added flavor, consider mixing in nuts, dried fruit, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. A tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter can also create a delicious twist. Feel free to get creative!
