How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Bars – Looking for a sweet treat. That combines the rich flavors of chocolate. With the fruity goodness of bananas? Look no further than this Banana Chocolate Chip Bars recipe. These bars are the perfect blend of soft banana cake. With a sprinkle of chocolate chips. Making them ideal. For both dessert and snacking. With simple ingredients. Like overripe bananas, all-purpose flour, and chocolate chips. These bars come together quickly. Offering a delicious way. To use up those leftover bananas.
The first time I made these Banana Chocolate Chip Bars. Was a spontaneous baking adventure. With my kids. We had a bunch of overripe bananas sitting in the fruit bowl. And I didn’t want to make yet another banana bread. So, we decided to mix things up. And turn them into these delightful bars. My husband. Who loves anything with chocolate. Was thrilled with the result. The kids had so much fun mashing the bananas. And sprinkling the chocolate chips on top. When we finally pulled the warm, gooey bars out of the oven. Their smiles were priceless. It’s now a family favorite. And a go-to treat. Whenever we have ripe bananas on hand.
What makes this Banana Chocolate Chip Bars truly special?
What sets these Banana Chocolate Chip Bars apart? Is their simplicity. And versatility. Not only are they incredibly easy to make. But they also pack a punch with flavor. The combination of sweet bananas. And rich chocolate chips create a moist, tender bar. That’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, these bars are a fantastic way. To use overripe bananas. That might otherwise go to waste. They’re also highly adaptable. You can add nuts. Or swap the chocolate chips. For a different flavor. To suit your taste. Whether you enjoy them as a dessert or snack. Or even breakfast. These bars are sure to be a hit. With both kids and adults alike.
What You Need To Make This Banana Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe?
Butter: For best results. Use unsalted butter at room temperature. This ensures the batter mixes well. And the flavors meld perfectly.
Brown Sugar: Packed light or dark brown sugar works fine. But dark brown sugar. Will give a richer caramel flavor.
Bananas: Make sure the bananas are overripe. This is key for the best flavor. And texture.
Chocolate Chips: You can use either mini chocolate chips or regular ones. Depending on your preference. Chopping them can also help distribute them evenly throughout the bars.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor. Enhancing the sweetness of the bananas. And chocolate.
Steps To Make Banana Chocolate Chip Bars:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that it’s hot and ready. When your batter is mixed. Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. And give it a quick spray with some cooking spray. Set it aside. So it’s ready for the batter.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar. Use either a stand mixer or a hand mixer. Depending on what’s handy. You want to mix on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes. Until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. If you’re mixing by hand. Ensure your butter is super soft. So it’s easier to blend.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients: Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat these on medium-low speed. Until everything is well combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl. To make sure everything’s mixed nicely.
Step 4: Mix in the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour. Mixing on low speed until just combined. You don’t want to overmix it. As that could make your bars tough instead of tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Bananas: Gently fold in the mashed bananas. Until they are fully incorporated into the batter. This step infuses the entire batter. With that lovely banana flavor.
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Step 6: Add the Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips. Save a few to sprinkle on top of the batter later. For a pretty finish. Make sure the chips are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Pour and Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle those reserved chocolate chips over the top. To make the bars look extra tempting.
Step 8: Bake: Place your baking dish in the preheated oven. And bake for 33-37 minutes. Keep an eye out for golden-brown edges. And a fully set center. I recommend rotating the pan halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
Step 9: Cool and Cut: Once baked, take the dish out of the oven. Set it on a wire rack to cool completely. Let the bars cool in the pan to make sure they set nicely. Once cool, carefully lift the parchment paper. Remove the bars from the pan. Use a sharp, warm knife (wipe it clean after each cut). To slice the bars into 16 neat squares.
Step 10: Storage: These bars can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days. For longer storage. Keep them covered with plastic wrap. Or in an airtight container. In the fridge for up to a week.
Step 11: Enjoy these delightful Banana Chocolate Chip Bars. With a cup of tea or coffee. Or serve them as a sweet end to your meal!
Tip:
To make the Banana Chocolate Chip Bars. Even more delicious. Consider toasting the chocolate chips. Before adding them to the batter. Spread the chocolate chips on a baking sheet. And toast them in the oven at 300°F (150°C). For about 5 minutes. Or until they begin to melt. This will enhance their flavor. And add a hint of richness to your bars. Also, let your bars cool completely in the pan. Before cutting them into squares. For the cleanest cuts. A sharp knife. Cleaned with a warm, damp cloth between slices. Can make a big difference. In the presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just make sure they are fully thawed. And well-mashed. Before adding them to the batter. Frozen bananas are often even sweeter. And add moisture. Making them perfect for baking.
What can I use as a substitute for chocolate chips?
If you’re out of chocolate chips. Feel free to use chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even peanut butter chips. You can also skip the chocolate altogether. If you prefer a purely banana flavor.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make these bars gluten-free. Substitute the all-purpose flour. With a gluten-free baking blend. That can be swapped in a 1:1 ratio. This will help maintain the bars’ texture. Without gluten.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 c unsalted butter room temperature (113 grams)
- 1 c packed light or dark brown sugar 200 grams
- 1 large egg room temperature (56 grams)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 6 grams
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt 3 grams
- 1 c all-purpose flour 125 grams
- 1 c mashed overripe banana - about 2 large bananas 250 grams
- 3/4 c chocolate chips chopped (125 grams)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. And give it a quick spray with cooking spray.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar. Until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This can be done using a stand mixer. Or a hand mixer.
- Mix in Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the creamed mixture. Mix on a medium-low speed until well combined. Scraping the bowl's sides. To ensure everything is well-mixed.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour. Mixing on low speed. Until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Incorporate Bananas and Chocolate Chips: Fold in the mashed bananas. Then gently fold in the chocolate chips. Keeping a few aside to sprinkle on top later.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top. And bake for 33-37 minutes. Or until the edges are golden. And the center is set. Rotate the pan halfway through the baking time. To ensure even cooking.
- Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, remove them from the pan. And cut them into 16 squares. Use a sharp knife for clean edges.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
