These Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a tasty treat you won’t want to miss! Made with ripe bananas and chocolate chips, they’re sweet, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious.
You know it’s a good day when chocolate is involved! I love how these bars are perfect for any moment—snack, dessert, or even breakfast (no judgment here!).
They come together quickly, and the best part is that they use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Just mix, bake, and enjoy the yumminess!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Make sure your bananas are good and ripe; they’ll be 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 for a day or two.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the salt in the recipe. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil, but the texture will differ slightly.
Sugar: I use granulated sugar for the right sweetness, but brown sugar can add a deeper flavor. You could also use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you’re looking for less refined options.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is my go-to, but feel free to mix it up with dark chocolate or white chocolate chips. If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can use dark chocolate chips or even carob chips.
What’s the Best Way to Cream Butter and Sugar Together?
Creaming butter and sugar is essential for achieving the right texture in your banana bars. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Start with softened butter at room temperature; this helps it to combine easily with sugar.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light in color and fluffy, usually 2-3 minutes.
- Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure everything is mixed well.
This step creates air in the batter, leading to a lighter and fluffier texture in your baked bars!
Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 large) ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and an additional 25-30 minutes to bake, making the total time around 40-45 minutes. After baking, allow the bars to cool before slicing. Perfect timing for a sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps ensure that your banana bars bake evenly. Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a whisk to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Add Eggs and Bananas:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, gently stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until everything is well mixed.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour.
5. Mix Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or your bars may turn out dense!
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring an even distribution throughout the batter for that delicious chocolatey goodness in every bite.
7. Ready to Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. This helps it bake uniformly.
8. Baking Time:
Pop the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, take the pan out and let it cool on a wire rack. After it has cooled sufficiently, slice into bars and enjoy!
10. Serving Suggestions:
These bars can be served warm or at room temperature. They pair well with a cup of coffee or milk, and you can sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top for an added treat!
FAQ for Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the bananas completely before mashing them. You can speed up thawing by placing them in warm water if you’re short on time. Drain any excess liquid before measuring.
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! Keep in mind that the bars may be a bit denser, so you might want to add a tablespoon or two of liquid (like milk) to the batter to maintain moisture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chocolate chip banana 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 in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or even dried fruit for added texture and flavor. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins to about 1 cup combined to ensure the bars bake properly.
