These Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a sweet treat that combines ripe bananas with rich chocolate chips. They’re soft, chewy, and oh-so-delicious!
Making these bars is a breeze; just mash the bananas, mix in the ingredients, and bake! I love how the chocolate melts perfectly, making each bite a chocolatey delight! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for this recipe as they provide the natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can place them in a paper bag for a day or two, or even microwave them for about 30 seconds to soften.
Butter: Unsalted butter brings richness to the bars. If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute it with coconut oil or vegan butter. Just ensure it’s melted for the right consistency!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is usually used, but you could use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. You can also try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you prefer a healthier version.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are delicious in these bars. For a twist, try dark chocolate chips or white chocolate. If you’re avoiding chocolate altogether, chopped nuts can be a nice alternative!
What’s the Best Way to Mix Ingredients Without Overmixing?
Overmixing can make your banana bars tough instead of soft and chewy. Here’s how to get it right:
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently until there are just a few flour streaks left visible.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon for folding instead of a whisk.
- Remember, it’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy. This will keep your bars moist!
Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking time. So, you can whip up these tasty bars in about 40 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to make sure the bars don’t stick.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or a potato masher until smooth. Then mix in the melted butter until combined.
3. Add Sugar and Egg
Next, add the granulated sugar, large egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if it’s a little lumpy!
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Now, sprinkle in the chocolate chips and fold them into the batter evenly. This will add that delicious chocolate flavor!
7. Transfer to the Baking Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Make sure it’s all nice and level.
8. Bake the Bars
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!
9. Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once completely cool, cut into squares.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Your delicious chocolate chip banana bars are ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for a snack, dessert, or even breakfast. Yum!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Yes! Frozen bananas work great in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before mashing, and drain any excess liquid to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option. Keep in mind that the texture may be heavier but still delicious!
What Can I Use Instead of Eggs?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a binder in this recipe.
