Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

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When I found myself with a few overripe bananas sitting on the counter, I knew it was time to get creative. I’ve always been a fan of banana bread, but I wanted something a little more indulgent, something that would make my family and friends go back for seconds. That’s how these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars came to life. Moist, tender, and speckled with melty chocolate chips, they’ve quickly become a favorite in my kitchen.

The first time I made these bars, I served them at a casual weekend get-together. I watched as the tray disappeared in minutes. Guests kept asking for the recipe, and I knew I had stumbled upon something special. It’s that perfect balance of banana sweetness and rich chocolate goodness that makes these bars irresistible.

Since then, this recipe has been my go-to for everything from after-school snacks to casual potlucks. Whether you’re trying to use up bananas or just craving a cozy treat, these bars check every box. Plus, they pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.

Check out some other cozy treats like Ooey Gooey Bars or the popular Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies if you’re into rich, homey desserts. You might also enjoy our nostalgic Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

This recipe combines the best parts of banana bread and a chocolate chip cookie into one delightful bite. It’s super simple to make, requires basic pantry ingredients, and bakes up in one pan—no fuss, just flavor. The banana keeps the texture wonderfully moist, and the chocolate chips add bursts of sweetness in every bite. If you love warm, comforting bakes with a soft center and just a touch of crispness on the edges, these bars are going to be your new obsession.

Ingredients

Ripe bananas are the heart of this recipe. They provide natural sweetness and moisture, transforming a basic batter into something rich and flavorful. The riper the bananas, the better—those brown spots mean extra flavor.

All-purpose flour gives the bars structure. It balances out the moisture from the bananas so the bars hold together while still being soft.

Granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness, enhancing the natural sugars from the bananas.

Butter brings richness and a subtle, comforting flavor that marries beautifully with both banana and chocolate.

Eggs are essential for binding everything together and giving the bars a soft, cake-like texture.

Vanilla extract adds a warm note that elevates the overall flavor profile.

Baking soda and salt are critical for leavening and balance. The baking soda reacts with the banana to lift the batter, while a pinch of salt sharpens all the sweet flavors.

Chocolate chips are the fun part—they melt into gooey pockets that make every bite a treat. I use semi-sweet for balance, but feel free to experiment.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier lifting.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. This helps them blend easily into the batter.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla to the mashed bananas. Whisk until everything is well combined and silky.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution before mixing with the wet ingredients.

Step 5: Bring it All Together

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined to keep the batter light.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top if you’d like that bakery-style finish.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the bars cool in the pan before slicing. This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you’re out of chocolate chips, chopped chocolate chunks or even a swirl of Nutella can make a decadent replacement. Feeling nutty? Add a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to introduce some crunch and earthiness.

For a slightly healthier twist, try substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also reduce the sugar slightly if your bananas are extra ripe. Want to make it dairy-free? Swap in coconut oil for the butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These bars are delicious as-is, but I love serving them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. A drizzle of melted peanut butter or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an extra flair.

They also shine as part of a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and coffee. For a fun lunchbox treat, cut them into smaller squares and wrap them individually.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Chocolate Chip Banana Bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their life, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for Chocolate Chip Banana Bars?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using. Frozen bananas release extra liquid, so removing the excess helps maintain the right texture.

Can I make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum or add it separately.

Can I add protein powder to Chocolate Chip Banana Bars?

You can. Reduce the flour by the same amount as the protein powder you add. Use a mild-flavored powder to avoid overpowering the banana and chocolate.

Do Chocolate Chip Banana Bars need to be refrigerated?

Not necessarily. They’re fine at room temperature for a couple of days, but refrigerating can help them last longer if you’re not eating them right away.

Can I make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars in a smaller pan?

Yes, though you’ll need to adjust the baking time. An 8×8-inch pan will make thicker bars and might need 35-40 minutes to bake.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If these bars hit the spot for you, don’t miss out on the Delicious Lemon Cake To Die For or the Ooey Gooey Bars for more indulgent bakes. You might also love our Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes for a delightful twist on a classic flavor combo.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Loved these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars? Don’t forget to pin this recipe on your Pinterest board so you can find it again easily. Sharing is caring, so pass it along to fellow banana lovers and chocolate fans. Whether it’s through a text, email, or a social media post, your friends will thank you for introducing them to their new favorite treat!

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