Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

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Baking has always been one of my love languages, and few things bring as much joy into my kitchen as the scent of ripe bananas mingling with warm chocolate. These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are what I reach for when I need a comforting, sweet bite that’s both easy to make and a crowd-pleaser. They came to life on one of those “use those bananas now” days, and quickly became a staple in my rotation.

What I adore most about these bars is their effortless magic. The bananas create a naturally moist base, while the chocolate chips deliver gooey moments in every bite. There’s no need for mixers or special techniques, just a bowl, a spatula, and your favorite baking dish. I can whip them up in under 15 minutes and trust them to turn out perfect every single time.

I’ve taken them to picnics, potlucks, and family brunches, and I never leave with leftovers. They slice beautifully, pack easily, and taste even better the next day. Whether it’s for an after-school treat or a cozy Sunday snack, these bars will never let you down.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

These bars are the epitome of fuss-free baking that delivers maximum satisfaction. They combine the richness of chocolate chips with the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas. They’re naturally soft, quick to prepare, and require only simple pantry staples. Perfect for when you want banana bread flavor in a more snackable, handheld format.

Ingredients

Ripe Bananas: The star of the show. Their natural sweetness and moisture eliminate the need for extra sugar or oil, making the bars soft and flavorful.

All-Purpose Flour: Acts as the foundation of the bars. It gives structure while keeping the texture light.

Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramelized sweetness that complements the bananas beautifully.

Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the bars’ soft crumb.

Butter: Adds richness and depth. I prefer unsalted to control the overall flavor.

Vanilla Extract: Just a splash enhances the banana flavor and adds warmth.

Baking Soda: Ensures the bars rise gently, staying fluffy without being cakey.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate and banana flavors.

Chocolate Chips: The gooey pockets of joy that dot every bite. Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate depending on your preference.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large bowl, mash 2 to 3 ripe bananas until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are okay—they add texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the bananas. Stir until well blended.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want tender bars.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top for a pretty finish.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Top with remaining chocolate chips. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment and cool completely before slicing into squares.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you’re out of brown sugar, white sugar with a bit of molasses will do the trick. For a healthier twist, try swapping half the flour with whole wheat or oat flour. Add-ins like chopped walnuts or pecans give extra crunch and flavor. Want a dairy-free option? Use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.

This recipe also adapts well to dietary preferences. Replace the egg with a flax egg to make it vegan, and you’ll still get that chewy, satisfying texture. For a fun flavor twist, mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are ideal served slightly warm, when the chocolate is still a bit melty. They’re lovely with a glass of milk, cup of coffee, or even a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. Pack them in lunchboxes or bring them along to potlucks; they’re easy to transport and universally loved.

If you’re serving them at brunch, pair with a refreshing fruit salad or something savory like a cheesy baked egg dish to balance the sweetness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

To reheat, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness.

FAQs

How ripe should bananas be for Chocolate Chip Banana Bars?

You want bananas that have lots of brown spots and feel soft when you squeeze them. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.

Can I freeze Chocolate Chip Banana Bars?

Yes! Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months. They’re great for make-ahead snacks or lunchbox treats.

Why are my Chocolate Chip Banana Bars too dense?

Overmixing the batter or using underripe bananas can make the bars dense. Mix until just combined and use ripe bananas for the best texture.

Can I use mini chocolate chips in this Chocolate Chip Banana Bars recipe?

Absolutely. Mini chips will distribute more evenly and give you a bit of chocolate in every bite.

What size pan should I use for Chocolate Chip Banana Bars?

An 8×8 inch square pan works best. If you double the recipe, use a 9×13 inch pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you’re loving the cozy banana-chocolate combo in these bars, then you absolutely need to try my Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread. It’s moist, rich, and swirled with peanut butter cups—a guaranteed favorite for peanut butter fans.

Another delicious option to bookmark is the Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe, which leans into warm, baked banana goodness with a golden crust that’s pure comfort.

And if you’re into fruity bakes, you should definitely take a peek at the Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls for a soft, creamy burst of flavor.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t forget to pin this Chocolate Chip Banana Bars recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can always have it on hand. It’s perfect for last-minute gatherings, lunchbox inspiration, or when you need to satisfy a banana bread craving with less effort. Share it with your friends and family—and let them in on your new favorite treat!

Yield: 9 to 12 bars

Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are soft, moist, and packed with the rich flavor of overripe bananas and melty chocolate chips. Perfectly handheld and easy to whip up in one bowl, this treat is ideal for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or sweet cravings at any time. This recipe combines banana bread nostalgia with the simplicity of bars, creating a snackable delight that's loved by kids and adults alike. They're freezer-friendly, travel well, and taste even better the next day. An effortless, delicious way to use up ripe bananas!

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2–3 ripe bananas
  • 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 to 2/3 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth.
  3. Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
  4. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined.
  5. Fold in chocolate chips, reserving some for topping.
  6. Pour batter into the pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle remaining chips on top.
  7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
  8. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Overripe bananas yield the best flavor.
  • Use mini chocolate chips for more even distribution.
  • Swap in whole wheat flour for a heartier option.
  • Can be made dairy-free and egg-free with substitutions.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 358Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 114mgCarbohydrates: 74gFiber: 6gSugar: 41gProtein: 4g

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