Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are not just a treat; they’re a hug in dessert form. Imagine biting into a soft bar that is warm from the oven, the aroma of sweet bananas wafting through your kitchen like an inviting blanket. Each morsel melts in your mouth, blending luscious chocolate chips with the comforting taste of ripe bananas. The texture is chewy yet tender—a perfect combination to satisfy those sweet cravings while also making you feel cozy inside.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of rainy afternoons spent baking with my grandma. She would always say that if you have ripe bananas sitting on your counter, it’s a sign from the universe to whip up something divine. And boy, did she know how to turn those golden fruits into pure magic! Now, I can’t think of any gathering or lazy Sunday that wouldn’t be enhanced by these delectable bars. Trust me—once you bake them, you’ll never want to let those overripe bananas go to waste again!

I once made these bars for a family reunion and witnessed my cousin’s eyes light up like it was his birthday all over again.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! Look for ones with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Use standard flour; it provides the ideal base for these bars’ chewy texture.
• Brown Sugar: This adds depth and moisture to your bars; dark brown sugar works wonders!
• Granulated Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar helps balance out the flavors; don’t skip it!
• Baking Soda: Essential for giving your bars that perfect rise; check that it’s fresh for best results.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully without making it salty.
• Vegetable Oil: Use oil instead of butter for added moisture and richness without being overly heavy.
• Eggs: Two large eggs will help bind everything together and add structure.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and depth to these already amazing flavors.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work best; they provide little pockets of gooeyness throughout.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mash Those Bananas!: In a mixing bowl, mash 2-3 ripe bananas until smooth but slightly chunky. You want some texture but no large chunks.

Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir in 1/3 cup vegetable oil followed by 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until combined and creamy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Add 2 large eggs one at a time along with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until fluffy; you’re building that lovely moist base.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt until mixed evenly.

Fold It Together!: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined; be careful not to overmix! Then add in your desired amount of chocolate chips—about 1 cup should do the trick.

Bake Away!: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth out evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean.

Enjoy these warm or let them cool completely before cutting into squares—if you can resist! These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are not only tasty but also super versatile; feel free to add nuts or other mix-ins if desired!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To ensure optimal results, mash your ripe bananas first, then mix wet ingredients before adding dry ones. This method ensures even distribution of flavors and textures throughout the bars.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in walnuts or pecans for added crunch. You can also try using dark chocolate chips for a richer taste or substitute honey for sugar if you prefer a healthier option.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Chocolate Chip Banana Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold with a scoop of ice cream.

The first time I made these bars, my friends devoured them in minutes! Their laughter filled the kitchen as they fought over the last piece—definitely a sign that I had created something special.

FAQ

Can I use frozen bananas for Chocolate Chip Banana Bars?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work perfectly in this recipe without compromising flavor.

What should I do if my batter is too thick?

If your batter seems too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

How can I make these banana bars healthier?

You can replace some flour with oats or use whole wheat flour for added nutrition.

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Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Chocolate Chip Banana Bars, a perfect blend of ripe bananas and rich chocolate that creates a cozy treat for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth but slightly chunky.
3. Stir in vegetable oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
4. Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla extract until fluffy.
5. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: For added crunch, mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. Substitute dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.