Description
Banana Chocolate Chip Bars are the perfect combination of moist banana bread and chewy chocolate chip cookies, baked into convenient, delicious squares. The natural sweetness of overripe bananas paired with rich chocolate makes for a simple yet decadent treat that everyone will love. These bars are easy to make with basic ingredients and minimal prep time, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion, from family snacks to parties. They’re moist, flavorful, and filled with gooey chocolate chips that melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
Scale
Bars:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mashed overripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease it with nonstick spray.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
- Incorporate flour: Gently mix in the flour just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Fold in bananas and chocolate chips: Fold in the mashed bananas, followed by 3/4 cup of chocolate chips.
- Pour and top with chocolate chips: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.
- Bake: Bake for 33-37 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into 16 squares.
Notes
- Banana ripeness: For the best flavor and texture, use overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. If your bananas aren’t ripe yet, you can speed up the process by placing them in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Avoid overmixing: To keep the bars light and tender, be sure to gently fold the ingredients together after adding the flour and bananas. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture.
- Chocolate variety: You can use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips, depending on your preference. For a fun twist, try using white chocolate chips or a mix of milk and dark chocolates.
- Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.