Got overripe bananas? Turn them into these irresistibly moist, chocolate-studded bars that taste like a cross between banana bread and chocolate chip cookies! Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these easy bars come together in just one bowl and bake in 30 minutes flat.
With a soft, cakey texture and melty chocolate in every bite, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Let’s bake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Uses up ripe bananas – No waste, just deliciousness!
✔ One-bowl wonder – Minimal cleanup required.
✔ Soft & chewy texture – Like banana bread meets blondies.
✔ Kid-friendly & crowd-pleasing – Great for lunchboxes or potlucks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
- ½ cup brown sugar (for moisture & caramel notes)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Mix-Ins
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (or regular chips)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Sea salt sprinkle on top
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8×8-inch pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Mash Bananas & Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth.
- Whisk in melted butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
- Sprinkle flour, baking soda, and salt over the wet mix.
- Fold gently until just combined (don’t overmix!).
4. Fold in Chocolate Chips
- Stir in mini chocolate chips (save a few for topping if desired).
5. Bake to Perfection
- Spread batter evenly in the pan.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool, Slice & Serve!
- Cool 10 minutes in pan, then lift out and cut into squares.
Pro Tips for the Best Bars
🍌 Banana Ripeness – The spottier, the sweeter!
🔥 Don’t Overbake – Bars will firm up as they cool.
🍫 Chocolate Boost – Press extra chips on top before baking.
❄️ Storage – Keep in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze for 1 month.
Delicious Variations
1. Nutty Banana Bars
- Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
2. Peanut Butter Swirl
- Swirl ¼ cup melted peanut butter into the batter before baking.
3. Double Chocolate
- Replace ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder for chocolate-banana bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Thaw and drain excess liquid first.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour with no other changes.
Why mini chocolate chips?
They distribute better, but regular chips work too!
Serving Suggestions
☕ Breakfast – Pair with coffee or milk.
🍦 Dessert – Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
🎒 On-the-Go – Wrap individually for snacks.
Final Thoughts
These Banana Chocolate Chip Bars are the ultimate easy treat—moist, flavorful, and packed with melty chocolate. Perfect for using up bananas or satisfying a sweet craving!
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