Chocolate chip banana bars: 1 bowl for ultimate joy

I cannot tell you how many times I almost tossed a bunch of black and mushy bananas before I realized they were actually kitchen gold. My kitchen smells like a total dream every time I whip these up and it is the best feeling in the world. These chocolate chip banana bars are the ultimate way to save fruit from the trash and my family literally swarms the kitchen the second the timer dings. I started making these on a whim one Sunday morning and now they are the most requested treat in my house. You get that amazing homey scent of baking fruit mixed with melting chocolate and it just makes everything feel cozy.

Why You Will Love These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

You are going to obsess over these chocolate chip banana bars because they have the best texture ever. They are like a perfect mix between a thick slice of moist banana bread and a soft chewy cookie. These bars are loaded with chocolate in every single bite and they stay soft for days. I love how simple they are to throw together when you have a craving but do not want to spend hours in the kitchen. They are fast and delicious and they satisfy that sweet tooth every single time.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Make sure your bananas are super spotty and brown because that is where all the natural sugar lives. I always use semi-sweet chips but dark chocolate works great too if you want something richer. Here is what you need to grab from your pantry.

• 1 and 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas which is about 3 large bananas
• 1/2 cup melted butter or coconut oil
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips plus extra for the top

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

Get your oven preheating to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius right now. This whole process only takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake so you will be eating in less than an hour. Grab a 9 by 13 inch baking pan and grease it well so nothing sticks.

Preparing the Batter

Start by mashing those bananas in a big bowl until they are mostly smooth with just a few tiny lumps. Whisk in your melted butter and both sugars until the mixture looks glossy. Add the egg and vanilla and give it a good stir. Now gently fold in the flour and baking soda and salt. Be really careful here because if you overmix the flour the bars will turn out tough instead of soft and tender. Just stir until you do not see any more white streaks.

Folding and Baking

Now comes the best part which is folding in those chocolate chips. Stir them in gently then spread the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to get it all the way to the corners. I like to sprinkle a few extra chips on top because it looks beautiful. Pop the pan in the oven for about 30 minutes. You can check if they are done by sticking a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs you are good to go.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

I have learned a few tricks over the years to make these perfect. If you use a metal baking pan you will get those slightly crispy edges that everyone fights over. If you prefer a softer and more cake-like center then go with a glass baking dish. The hardest part is waiting but you really should let the bars cool completely before you try to slice them. This ensures you get clean cuts and the bars do not fall apart while they are still warm.

Variations and Substitutions

You can totally make these your own by adding a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans if you want a little crunch. I have also made these with gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour and they turned out fantastic so do not be afraid to try that swap. If you want a deeper flavor you can use dark chocolate chunks instead of standard chips. Sometimes I even add a dash of cinnamon to the batter for extra warmth.

How to Store Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

If you actually have leftovers you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about two days. They stay even fresher in the refrigerator for up to five days. These bars also freeze beautifully. I like to wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and toss them in a freezer bag. They stay good for up to three months and you can just thaw one out whenever you need a quick snack.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes you definitely can use frozen ones. Just make sure you let them thaw out completely on the counter first. You will notice a lot of extra liquid in the bowl so be sure to drain that off before mashing them or your batter will be too runny.

Can I make these bars vegan?

It is actually really easy to make these vegan. Just swap the butter for melted coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. For the egg you can use a flax egg which is just one tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and you are all set.

Estimated Nutritional Information

This breakdown is based on cutting the pan into 16 even bars.

• Calories: 190 kcal
• Total Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 16g

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