These Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a delicious treat! They mix ripe bananas with sweet chocolate chips, making every bite soft and yummy. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Honestly, I can’t resist them fresh out of the oven. The smell alone is enough to make anyone happy! 😋 I love sharing them with friends or enjoying them with my morning coffee.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Use really ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness. If you’re short on bananas, you can substitute with applesauce (1/2 cup) for a similar texture and binding effect.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: This combo gives great sweetness. You can replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or even omit it completely if you want less sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter keeps the bars moist. You can use vegetable oil or coconut oil as a dairy-free substitute.
Chocolate Chips: I love using semisweet chocolate chips, but any type will do! If you want a healthier option, swap in dark chocolate or even peanut butter chips for a twist.
How Do I Ensure My Banana Bars Are Moist and Delicious?
The key to moist banana bars is in how you handle your ingredients. First, mash your bananas well—really ripe ones should be soft enough. Be careful not to overmix the batter; just stir until the dry and wet ingredients are combined to keep the bars soft.
- Mix the wet ingredients first and then fold in the dry ingredients gently.
- Check for doneness early; if you stick a toothpick in and it comes out with some moist crumbs, that means they’re perfect!
Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips (semisweet or milk chocolate)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the bars to cool, which may take an additional 15-20 minutes. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour to enjoy these delicious treats from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with some butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help your bars come out easily after baking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas well. It should be about 1 cup when done. Add in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix everything together until you have a nice, smooth mixture. It’s okay if there are a few small banana lumps left!
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well blended and combined. This will add great flavor!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda for a nice rise.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir carefully until everything is just combined. Remember, don’t overmix! We want those bars to be soft and tender.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips:
Time for the tasty part! Gently fold in the chocolate chips so they’re evenly scattered throughout the batter.
7. Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After they’ve cooled for about 15-20 minutes, cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bars! They’re perfect for sharing (or not)! 🍌🍫
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Bananas?
Absolutely! While ripe bananas are best for sweetness and flavor, if you don’t have ripe ones, you can bake bananas at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes until they are soft. Just let them cool before mashing!
Can I Substitute the Butter?
Yes! You can use vegetable oil or melted coconut oil as a substitute for butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Store Leftover Banana Bars?
Store any leftover banana bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap or foil before freezing!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! You can fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Other mix-ins like dried fruit or shredded coconut can also be delicious additions—feel free to get creative!