If you’re searching for a sweet homemade treat that combines the perfect balance of moistness and rich flavor, these Banana Chocolate Chip Bars are the answer you’ve been dreaming of. Packed with ripe bananas and loaded with melty chocolate chips, this recipe delivers a delightful, soft texture and comforting taste that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a casual snack or a special occasion, these bars bring joy and satisfaction in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Moisture: Ripe bananas keep the bars incredibly soft and tender, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Sweet and Chocolatey: Generous chocolate chips add just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the banana flavor.
Simple Ingredients: Using everyday pantry staples means you can whip up this treat anytime without extra trips to the store.
Perfect Snack Size: These bars are easy to portion and make great grab-and-go snacks for busy days.
Kid-Friendly Fun: A crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or a quick dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines with a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each contributing to the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and browning. Every component plays a vital role in making the Banana Chocolate Chip Bars moist, tender, and incredibly delicious.

Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas are sweeter and add natural moisture for that soft texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and stability to hold the bars together.
Baking Powder: Ensures the bars rise just enough for a light crumb without becoming cakey.
Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle caramel flavor and helps keep the bars moist.
Butter: Melted butter enriches the flavor and adds a tender crumb.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and complements the banana and chocolate.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together for perfect texture.
Chocolate Chips: The star of the show that creates pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.

Variations for Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

Feel free to get creative with these bars! This recipe is super adaptable, so you can tweak it to fit dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or just to try something new. The options are endless.

Nutty Addition: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and added protein.
Gluten-Free Twist: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to keep the bars soft and tasty.
Healthier Swap: Use coconut oil instead of butter and add a handful of oats for extra fiber.
Spiced Up: Sprinkle in cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor boost.
Different Chips: Try white chocolate, peanut butter, or butterscotch chips to mix up the flavor combination.

Delicious Banana Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large bowl, mash 3 to 4 ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth but still slightly chunky for texture.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a beaten egg to the mashed bananas. Stir well to combine these wet ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.

Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter for pockets of luscious chocolate in every bite.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles for serving.

Pro Tips for Making Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

Banana Ripeness: Use bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter gently to avoid tough, dense bars.
Check Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer can ensure your bars bake evenly without drying out.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Using eggs and butter at room temperature helps everything blend smoothly.
Extra Chocolate: Sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top before baking for a more tempting presentation.

How to Serve Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

Garnishes

Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate over the bars to add a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet indulgent dessert combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the bars alongside a hot cup of coffee or milk for a comforting treat, or cut them into bite-sized pieces for party platters and snack trays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Banana Chocolate Chip Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to retain freshness and moistness.

Freezing

Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Warm bars in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to restore that fresh-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes! Thaw frozen bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid overly wet batter.

Are Banana Chocolate Chip Bars gluten-free?

The classic recipe isn’t gluten-free, but you can easily substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it suitable.

Can I substitute the butter with oil?

Absolutely! Using coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil will work well and keep the bars moist.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The bananas should be very ripe with brown spots or even fully browned skins for the best natural sweetness and flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, just adjust the baking time as needed to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

These Banana Chocolate Chip Bars offer a simple way to enjoy a classic flavor combo that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Moist, sweet, and loaded with chocolate, they’re perfect for anytime cravings or sharing with family and friends. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to treat!

Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

Print Recipe

Banana Chocolate Chip Bars are moist, tender, and bursting with natural banana sweetness paired with melty chocolate chips. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, these bars are perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or a comforting dessert. With a soft texture and rich flavor, they are great for any occasion and customizable with various add-ins or substitutes.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour used)

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

3 to 4 ripe bananas (overripe with brown spots)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup melted butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup chocolate chips (any variety: semi-sweet, white, peanut butter, or butterscotch)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth but slightly chunky for texture.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Add melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and beaten egg to the mashed bananas. Stir well until evenly combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and salt.
Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles for serving.

Notes

Use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Gently stir the batter to avoid tough, dense bars caused by overmixing.
Check your oven temperature with a thermometer to ensure even baking and prevent drying out.
Bring eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing for smoother blending.
Add extra chocolate chips on top before baking for an appealing presentation.
To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
You can substitute melted butter with coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil to keep bars moist.
Feel free to add chopped nuts, oats, cinnamon, or alternative chips to customize the bars.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar (of 12)
Calories: 190
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 110mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: banana bars, chocolate chip bars, banana chocolate chip bars, moist banana dessert, easy snack bars, gluten-free banana bars, homemade banana bars