These easy chocolate chip banana bars are soft, sweet, and delicious! With ripe bananas and chocolate chips, they make a perfect treat for snack time or dessert.
Baking these bars always makes my kitchen smell amazing. Plus, they are great for using up overripe bananas. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🍌🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can speed up the ripening by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two. Frozen bananas work too – just defrost and mash them before using.
Sugar: I prefer using granulated sugar for sweetness and texture. You can swap it for brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best control over salt levels. For a dairy-free version, you can replace it with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the bars. If you need an egg replacement, use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a mashed flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a classic choice. You can also use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips for a twist!
How Do I Ensure My Banana Bars Are Super Moist?
To get banana bars that are fluffy and moist, it’s important not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Here’s how to maintain that perfect texture:
- Mix until you just see the flour incorporated. A few lumps are fine!
- Using overripe bananas adds more moisture. The darker the banana, the better!
- Check for doneness at the lower time limit, as they can dry out if overbaked. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let them cool completely before cutting; this helps them firm up a bit without losing moisture.
Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Overall, you’ll have delicious chocolate chip banana bars ready in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bars bake perfectly. While the oven heats up, grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step helps to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Banana Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they are nice and smooth. You can use a fork or a potato masher for this. Next, stir in the melted butter until it’s well combined.
3. Mix in Other Wet Ingredients:
Once the butter is mixed in, add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Stir everything together until it’s completely combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps in the dry ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Take the dry mixture and gradually add it to the banana mixture. Stir just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars dense!
6. Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts:
Next, gently fold in the chocolate chips and the optional nuts, if you’re using them. This adds a nice crunch!
7. Pour and Spread in Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool and Slice:
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into squares or bars.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to enjoy your moist and delicious chocolate chip banana bars! These treats are perfectly sweet and delightful.
Note: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Overripe Bananas?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are ideal for this recipe as they are sweeter and easier to mash. Look for bananas that are brown and spotty for the best flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you need an egg replacement, you can use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Both options work well to maintain moisture and binding!
How Do I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can add nuts, dried fruit, or even different types of chocolate chips (like white chocolate or dark chocolate) for a fun twist!
