Have you ever tasted a warm, gooey chocolate chip banana bar that melts in your mouth? Imagine biting into a soft, moist treat where the rich aroma of bananas intertwines with the sweetness of melted chocolate. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a delicious dessert to share with friends, these chocolate chip banana bars are sure to impress.
These scrumptious treats are not just about taste; they evoke memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings at home. Ideal for school lunches or after-dinner desserts, these bars are versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of day.
Why You’ll Love This chocolate chip banana bars
- Quick and Easy to Make: These chocolate chip banana bars come together in less than an hour, making them perfect for busy days when you need a sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Use Up Overripe Bananas: Have some overripe bananas lying around? This recipe is an excellent way to reduce waste while creating something delicious and satisfying.
- Perfect for Snacking: These bars are not only tasty but also portable! Cut them into squares and pack them for on-the-go snacks or lunchbox treats.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be. Aim for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use standard all-purpose flour for the best texture; it helps create those soft and chewy characteristics.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and enhances the caramel flavors in your baked goods.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar balances out the flavors and contributes to that delightful sweetness.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent ensures your bars rise nicely while providing a tender crumb.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in your recipe and balances sweetness.
- Eggs: Eggs bind all ingredients together while adding richness to each bite.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is essential for enhancing flavors and adding depth to your dessert.
- Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for that irresistible melty goodness throughout your bars.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It!
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an appropriate baking pan by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
Mash Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash about three ripe bananas until smooth. You can use a fork or potato masher; aim for minimal lumps.
Mix Wet Ingredients
Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined.
Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips into your batter using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Transfer to plates and enjoy these delightful treats warm from the oven!
Tips And Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Choose Ripe Bananas: Ripe bananas enhance sweetness; look for ones with lots of brown spots or even blackened skin.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense bars. Stir just until combined for lightness.
- Add Nuts: If you like nuts, consider folding in chopped walnuts or pecans along with your chocolate chips for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
This chocolate chip banana bars recipe is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Fresh Fruit: Serve your chocolate chip banana bars alongside a selection of fresh berries or sliced apples for a refreshing contrast. The natural sweetness of the fruit complements the rich flavors of the bars perfectly.
- Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these delightful bars with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. The warm, comforting flavors of the drink enhance the taste of the chocolate and bananas in each bite.
- Ice Cream: For a decadent treat, serve warm chocolate chip banana bars topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream adds an extra layer of creaminess that balances the texture beautifully.
FAQs
What can I substitute for ripe bananas in chocolate chip banana bars?
If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can use applesauce as a great substitute in your chocolate chip banana bars. Use about half a cup of unsweetened applesauce for every ripe banana needed. This will keep your bars moist while adding a subtle sweetness. Another option is to use mashed avocado, which provides healthy fats and a creamy texture without altering the flavor too much. However, if you’re looking for that classic banana flavor, ripe bananas are still the best choice.
Can I make chocolate chip banana bars vegan?
Absolutely! You can easily make these chocolate chip banana bars vegan by substituting eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water. For each egg, mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with three tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens. Also, ensure you use dairy-free chocolate chips and non-dairy milk in your recipe to keep it completely plant-based.
How should I store leftover chocolate chip banana bars?
To preserve freshness, store leftover chocolate chip banana bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to a week. For extended storage, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag; they will stay good for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Can I add nuts or other ingredients to my chocolate chip banana bars?
Yes! Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans can enhance the texture and flavor profile of your chocolate chip banana bars. You can also mix in other ingredients like shredded coconut or dried fruit for additional sweetness and texture. Just be careful not to overload the batter; a half-cup of nuts or other add-ins is usually perfect.
Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of ripe bananas and melted chocolate in every bite. This easy recipe transforms overripe bananas into moist, chewy bars that are perfect for snacking or dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 overripe bananas
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the overripe bananas until smooth.
- Add the sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas; mix until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes
- Use bananas with plenty of brown spots for optimal sweetness.
- For added texture, fold in nuts like walnuts or pecans along with chocolate chips.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; they can last up to three days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
