These Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert! With ripe bananas and gooey chocolate chips, they are soft and delicious.
Who can resist the smell of banana and chocolate baking together? It’s like a warm hug. I love having these bars with a cup of coffee—what a perfect combo! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The key to moist and flavorful banana bars! I recommend going for very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best sweetness. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can speed up the ripening by placing them in a paper bag.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness. If you want a healthier option, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce or coconut oil. Just know that the flavor will be slightly different.
Sugar: While I often use 3/4 cup of sugar, you can easily cut it down to 1/2 cup if you prefer less sweetness. You can also substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor!
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are a classic choice, but feel free to mix it up! Dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips can add a different spin to the bars.
What’s the Best Way to Mix the Batter Without Overmixing?
A common concern is overmixing the batter, which can lead to dense bars. The secret is to mix just until the ingredients are combined. Here’s how:
- After adding the flour, use a spatula to fold it in gently.
- Stop mixing when you see a little bit of flour still showing; it’s okay if some lumps remain.
- Once you fold in the chocolate chips, do it delicately—this helps keep your bars light and fluffy!
Following these steps will help you achieve perfectly soft and delicious banana bars every time!
Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar (can be reduced to 1/2 cup for less sweetness)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 25-30 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll need just under an hour to create and enjoy these delicious chocolate chip banana bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This will help the bars come out perfectly without sticking!
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them up with a fork until they are nice and smooth. The more ripe they are, the sweeter your bars will be!
3. Mix in the Butter:
Pour the melted butter into the bowl with the mashed bananas, combining them with a spoon or spatula. This will add richness to your bars.
4. Add Baking Ingredients:
Next, sprinkle in the baking soda and add a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir to mix these ingredients in!
5. Sweeten It Up:
Now, add the sugar, the beaten egg, and the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined. This will create a deliciously sweet batter!
6. Mix in the Flour:
Gently fold in the flour until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; a few lumps are okay!
7. Add the Chocolate Chips:
Now it’s time to fold in those yummy chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Pour and Spread:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. It’s almost time to bake!
9. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, it’s time to slice them into squares.
11. Serve and Enjoy!
These chocolate chip banana bars are ready to be devoured! Enjoy them as a snack, breakfast treat, or dessert. Happy baking!
FAQ About Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Can I Substitute the Banana with Applesauce?
Yes! You can use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for bananas, using a 1:1 ratio. This will change the flavor profile, making it a bit less sweet and fruity. Start with 1/2 cup of applesauce, and consider adding a little extra sugar if needed!
How Do I Know When the Bars Are Done Baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready to be taken out! If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, bake for an additional few minutes.
Can I Freeze Leftover Banana Bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter before enjoying!
What Can I Use Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for proper texture. Alternatively, almond flour or oat flour can also work, but the texture may be denser.
