Chocolate Chip Banana Bars – Soft, Chewy Squares

Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are the ultimate treat for when you need something sweet, soft, and irresistibly chewy.

These moist bars combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the decadence of melty chocolate chips, creating a dessert that’s perfect for snacking, sharing, or enjoying with a cup of coffee. Easy to make and even easier to eat, this recipe is a must-try for banana bread lovers looking for a fun twist.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or hand mixer
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (175g) semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g

Expert Tips

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bars will be.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the bars soft and tender.
• Add Nuts: For added crunch, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser texture.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

How do I store these bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze them?
Yes, slice the bars, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Storing & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to a week for a firmer texture.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Substitutions & Variations

• Chocolate Chips: Swap with white chocolate, dark chocolate, or peanut butter chips.
• Banana-Free: Replace bananas with 1/2 cup of applesauce or pumpkin puree for a different flavor.
• Add-Ins: Stir in shredded coconut or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bars - Soft, Chewy Squares

Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are the ultimate treat for when you need something sweet, soft, and irresistibly chewy. These moist bars combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the decadence of melty chocolate chips, creating a dessert that’s perfect for snacking, sharing, or enjoying with a cup of coffee.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• - Whisk or hand mixer
• - 9x13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• - 2 large ripe bananas mashed
• - 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter, melted
• - 3/4 cup 150g granulated sugar
• - 1/2 cup 100g light brown sugar, packed
• - 2 large eggs
• - 1 tsp vanilla extract
• - 1 3/4 cups 220g all-purpose flour
• - 1 tsp baking powder
• - 1/2 tsp baking soda
• - 1/2 tsp salt
• - 1 cup 175g semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

 

• **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
• **Mix Wet Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
• **Add Chocolate Chips:** Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top.
• **Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• **Cool and Serve:** Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares and enjoy!