Chocolate Chip Banana Bars: A Sinfully Delectable Treat

7 de July de 2025

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Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are pure comfort food, aren’t they? I swear, one bite of these and I’m instantly transported back to my childhood kitchen, watching my mom whip up her famous banana bread. I’ve taken her recipe and tweaked it over the years, adding my own little signature—a generous handful of mini chocolate chips, of course! The smell of these baking is just divine—warm, sweet bananas mingling with melty chocolate. Trust me, you’ll adore these buttery banana treats. They’re not quite blondies, not quite banana bread, but something wonderfully in between! If you need an easy chocolate chip banana bars recipe for snacks, this is it. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Seriously, the texture is just *chef’s kiss*—super moist and tender, not dry or crumbly like some banana breads.
They’re so easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Got some ripe bananas sitting on your counter? These are absolutely perfect for using them up! No more banana waste!
Need a dessert or snack that everyone will love? These are always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, they disappear fast!
From start to finish, you’ll have warm, gooey chocolate chip banana bars ready in under an hour.
Baking on a budget? This is a super budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
They taste like blondies with a hint of banana, giving you the best of both worlds.
And the best part? You can totally customize them with your favorite mix-ins. Walnuts? Peanut butter chips? Go wild!

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly: This adds that amazing richness and moisture we all crave. I always use a good quality butter for the best flavor!
1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour: This gives the bars their structure. If you’re gluten-free, a gluten-free blend works great, too!
½ teaspoon baking powder: This is what gives the banana chocolate chip bars a light and airy texture, so don’t skip it!
½ teaspoon salt: A little salt enhances the sweetness and really balances all the flavors. Trust me on this one!
¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar: This adds moisture, sweetness, and a yummy caramel-like flavor. Make sure to pack the sugar when you’re measuring it.
1 large egg, room temperature: The egg helps bind everything together and adds richness. Room temperature is key for even mixing!
1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium bananas), very ripe: The riper the bananas, the better! They provide so much moisture, sweetness, and that unmistakable banana flavor. Those spotty bananas are PERFECT for these **chocolate chip banana bars**!
2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract: Vanilla just enhances all the other flavors, making these bars even more irresistible. Don’t skimp on the good stuff!
¾ cup (128 g) mini chocolate chips, divided: Because what are **chocolate chip banana bars** without chocolate chips? I like to use mini ones for even distribution, and I always reserve some for topping!

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Step 1: First things first, preheat that oven to 350°F (177°C). While it’s heating up, grab an 8×8 inch (20 cm) pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to let the paper hang over the sides – this makes it SO much easier to lift the bars out later! Trust me, you’ll thank me.
Step 2: Next, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. I usually do it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, so it doesn’t explode. Let it cool slightly until it’s warm, but definitely not hot, about 10-15 minutes. We don’t want to cook the egg!
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, and you don’t get clumps of baking powder in your banana chocolate chip bars.
Step 4: Now, in a large bowl, whisk together the cooled melted butter and brown sugar until they’re nicely combined. This is where the magic starts to happen!
Step 5: Whisk in the egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth. Don’t worry if the mixture looks slightly curdled at this point – it’ll all come together.
Step 6: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until *just* combined. This is important: don’t overmix! Overmixing leads to tough bars, and nobody wants that.
Step 7: Fold in most of those yummy mini chocolate chips, but save a few to sprinkle on top. Because, let’s be honest, more chocolate is always a good idea!
Step 8: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
Step 9: Sprinkle those reserved chocolate chips all over the top. Get creative!
Step 10: Bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. And oh my goodness, the kitchen will smell absolutely divine! That warm banana and chocolate aroma? Heaven!
Step 11: Let the **chocolate chip banana bars** cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using that parchment paper overhang. Then, slice them up and serve. Enjoy every single bite!

Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Want to take your chocolate chip banana bars from good to absolutely AMAZING? Here are a few of my go-to tricks that I’ve learned over the years. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference! First, don’t be shy with the vanilla – a good quality extract really elevates the flavor. Second, always cool the melted butter slightly before adding it to the batter; otherwise, you might end up cooking the egg. And finally, resist the urge to overbake! Slightly underbaked bars are always better than dry, crumbly ones. You want that blondie-like texture, not banana bread!

What’s the secret to perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Bars?

Use very ripe bananas! The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots. They might not look pretty, but they’re baking gold!

Can I make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can! These easy chocolate chip banana bars are great for meal prep. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They’re perfect for packing in lunchboxes or having on hand for a quick snack.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chocolate Chip Banana Bars?

Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough bars. Mix until just combined – a few streaks of flour are totally fine. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate. An oven thermometer can be a lifesaver!

Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

These chocolate chip banana bars are absolutely scrumptious all on their own! They’re perfect for an afternoon snack or a simple dessert. But if you want to take things to the next level (and, let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), try warming them up just a tad and topping them with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Trust me, it’s a game-changer! They’re also amazing with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee. I love packing a few of these buttery banana chocolate bars in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise, and they’re always a hit when I bring them to potlucks. Seriously, you can’t go wrong with these classic homemade banana desserts!

Chocolate Chip Banana Bars - detail 2

Nutrition Facts for Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a peek at the estimated nutrition info for one of these delicious chocolate chip banana bars. Of course, keep in mind that these are just averages, and the actual values might wiggle around a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use.

Calories: 200
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Alright, so you’ve baked these amazing chocolate chip banana bars, but somehow you have leftovers (I’m impressed!). Here’s how to keep them tasting their best! For short-term storage, just pop those buttery banana chocolate bars into an airtight container. They’ll stay perfectly delicious at room temperature for about 3-4 days – if they last that long, that is! If you want to keep them around longer, the fridge is your friend. They’ll happily chill in there for up to a week. And for long-term storage? Freezing is the way to go! Wrap them individually or in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy a banana dessert bar, just zap it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. Freezing might change the texture slightly, but I promise the taste will still knock your socks off!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Got questions about making the perfect chocolate chip banana bars? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get, along with my best tips and tricks to help you bake up a batch of pure deliciousness.

Why are my chocolate chip banana bars dry?

Oh no, dry bars are the worst! Usually, dryness comes down to a few key culprits:

Did you measure the flour correctly? Too much flour is a surefire way to get dry bars. Always spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping it directly from the bag.
Did you overbake them? Overbaking sucks the moisture right out. Keep a close eye on them in the oven and pull them out when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Were your bananas ripe enough? Ripe bananas are essential for moisture! The spottier, the better. Those overripe bananas are what make this homemade banana dessert so good.

Can I use a different type of chocolate in my chocolate chip banana bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your chocolate choices. It’s all about what you like!

What other chocolates work well? Dark chocolate chips add a richer, more intense flavor. White chocolate chips create a super sweet and decadent treat. You could even throw in some chopped nuts for added texture and flavor!
Does the size of the chocolate chip matter? Mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly throughout the bars, giving you a little bit of chocolate in every bite. Larger chips provide bigger bursts of chocolate flavor. It really just depends on your preference!

How can I make these chocolate chip banana bars more moist?

Moist bars are happy bars! Here are a few tricks to ensure your buttery banana chocolate bars are perfectly moist and tender:

Can I add anything extra to the batter? Adding a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter will add extra moisture and a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the bananas.
Does the type of butter matter? Using melted butter instead of softened butter can also help create a more moist and tender texture.
What else can I do? And, of course, make sure your bananas are very ripe! They’re the key to unlocking maximum moisture and flavor in these banana chocolate chip bars.

Variations of Chocolate Chip Banana Bars You Can Try

Want to mix things up and put your own spin on these classic chocolate chip banana bars? Here are a few fun and easy variations to try! Whether you’re looking for a dietary-friendly option or just want to experiment with new flavors, these tweaks will take your banana chocolate chip bars to the next level. Trust me, they’re all delicious in their own way!

Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bars: Swap out the butter for your favorite vegan butter, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. You’ll never know the difference!
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Banana Bars: Simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. I like to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with the texture.
Walnut Chocolate Chip Banana Bars: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for some added crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting the nuts beforehand really brings out their flavor!
Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Banana Bars: Stir in ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy, spiced flavor. It’s like a hug in every bite! This is a great way to elevate this homemade banana dessert.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bars: A Sinfully Delectable Treat

Author: Jannet Lisa
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Moist and tender banana bars with a thick and chewy blondie texture, filled with sweet chocolate chips. These buttery banana chocolate chip bars are quick, easy to make and a great alternative to banana bread.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
1 cup (120 g) all purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract
¾ cup (128 g) mini chocolate chips, divided

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 F (177 C). Line an 8×8 (20 cm) pan with parchment paper along the bottom and two sides.
Place the butter in a microwave safe bowl. Melt the butter in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir the butter and if needed, heat again for 15 seconds. Cool the melted butter for 10 – 15 minutes or until warm, but not hot. Set aside for now.
In another mixing bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together until well combined.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk in the cooled butter with the light brown sugar until well combined. Whisk in the egg, mashed bananas and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. The mixture may look a little curdled. That’s totally fine! Once the dry ingredients are mixed in the batter will become smoother.
Stir the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. I like to do this about ½ of the dry ingredients at a time. Fold in the mini chocolate chips. Make sure to reserve some for topping the banana bars before baking.
Smooth the banana batter into the prepared pan. Use a flexible spatula to smooth the blonde brownie batter evenly across the pan. Top with more mini chocolate chips if you like.
Bake the chocolate chip banana bars for about 30 – 35 minutes or until the sides of the chocolate chip blondies are firm and the center is baked through. A toothpick inserted into the center of the banana blondie bars should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Cool the buttery banana chocolate bars in the pan to room temperature. Once the bars are completely cooled, use the excess sides of parchment paper to gently lift the banana dessert from the pan, slice and enjoy!

Notes

Store: Place the banana chocolate chip bars in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 3 -4 days. If you would like to store them for longer, I recommend transferring them to the fridge for up to a week or to the freezer for up to one month.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American