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Soft Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

Featured in Sweet Treats Everyone Will Love.

These soft banana chocolate chip bars are like banana bread meets blondies. Made with mashed bananas, melted butter for added moisture, and brown sugar, they’ve got a rich, chewy texture. Toss in mini chocolate chips for even flavors in every bite. Baked in an 8x8 pan, they turn out golden brown with chocolates scattered inside. Keep them fresh for several days at room temperature or freeze for longer storage. Perfect for making ahead or savoring later!
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Emily Watson
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:23:11 GMT
Banana Chocolate Chip Bars Pin it
Banana Chocolate Chip Bars | thefamilycooks.com

These chocolate chip banana bars deliver the perfect combination of moist, cake-like texture and rich banana flavor. The golden-brown crust gives way to a tender interior studded with melty chocolate chips. By transforming ripe bananas into these delectable treats, you'll create an irresistible snack that fills the kitchen with an enticing aroma.

Key Ingredients

  • Ripe bananas: Choose heavily speckled bananas for maximum natural sweetness
  • Light brown sugar: Provides moisture and rich caramel notes
  • Mini chocolate chips: Ensure even chocolate distribution throughout
  • Unsalted butter: Allows precise control of salt levels
  • Pure vanilla extract: Enhances both banana and chocolate flavors

Preparation Steps

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 8x8 pan with parchment paper overhang.
  2. Gently melt butter in 15-second microwave intervals.
  3. Whisk dry ingredients to distribute leaveners evenly.
  4. Blend melted butter and brown sugar until lightened.
  5. Mix in egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla until combined.
  6. Fold in flour mixture just until incorporated.
  7. Add most chocolate chips to batter, reserve some for top.
  8. Spread in pan, top with reserved chips.
  9. Bake 30-35 minutes until edges golden, center set.
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Customization Options

This versatile recipe welcomes variations. Add chopped nuts for crunch, substitute dark chocolate for intensity, or incorporate a cream cheese swirl for special occasions. The base recipe provides an excellent foundation for creativity.

Storage Guidelines

Store bars in an airtight container, layered with wax paper. They maintain moisture and flavor for 3-4 days at room temperature, though they rarely last that long.

Temperature Tips

Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the batter. Allow melted butter to cool slightly before mixing with chocolate chips to prevent premature melting.

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Yummy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
Absolutely! Regular ones will work, though mini chips spread more evenly throughout your bars.
→ How ripe do the bananas need to be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for extra sweetness and flavor.
→ Is it possible to freeze these bars?
Totally! Seal them in an airtight container, and you’re good to go for up to a month.
→ Why should the melted butter cool before mixing?
Letting it cool prevents it from cooking the egg and helps the bars come out with the right texture.
→ Can I throw in some nuts as well?
Of course! Add about 1/2 cup of your favorite chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a nice crunch.

Banana Choco Bars

Chewy, tender bars with bits of chocolate and banana flavor—a delightful cross between a blondie and banana bread!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Wet Ingredients

01 1 large egg, at room temperature
02 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
03 1/2 cup butter (unsalted)
04 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium-sized ones)
05 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

→ Dry Ingredients

06 3/4 cup small chocolate chips, with some kept aside for topping
07 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
08 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 1 cup plain flour (all-purpose)

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven on to 350°F (177°C). Use parchment paper to cover the bottom and sides of an 8x8-inch baking pan.

Step 02

Heat the butter in the microwave until it liquefies, which takes about a minute. Set it aside for 10-15 minutes to cool down to warm.

Step 03

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.

Step 04

Combine the butter (once it’s cooled) with the brown sugar using a whisk. Add the egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla, mixing until everything blends well.

Step 05

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently fold in most of the chocolate chips, leaving some aside for sprinkling on top.

Step 06

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the leftover chocolate chips on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean.

Step 07

Let it cool entirely. Use the parchment paper to lift it out of the pan, then slice it into portions.

Notes

  1. Keep in a container with a lid at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  2. You can store it in the fridge for a week or freeze it for a month.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Bowls for mixing
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy
  • Eggs
  • Wheat

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 2 g