These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are soft, chewy, and full of rich banana flavor, with the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Made with ripe bananas and sweet mini chocolate chips, these bars are a great alternative to banana bread. They are quick, easy to make, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or store them for later!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup mini chocolate chips, divided

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

2. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and light brown sugar until well combined. Whisk in the egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture may appear a little curdled; that’s fine!

3. Add Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.

4. Fold in Chocolate Chips:
   Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, reserving a few for topping the bars.

5. Bake the Bars:
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it evenly. Top with the reserved chocolate chips. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs. The bars should be golden around the edges and firm in the center.

6. Cool and Slice:
   Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Cholesterol: 35mg

A Twist on Classic Banana Bread

Banana bread has long been a beloved comfort food, but sometimes it’s fun to switch things up. These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars offer the same moist, flavorful base that makes banana bread so delicious, but in a portable, handheld bar form. The soft and chewy texture is complemented by the bursts of sweetness from the bananas and the mini chocolate chips that melt in every bite. This twist on a classic is just as satisfying, if not more so, for those who love a good, easy-to-eat dessert or snack.

Not only are these bars a fantastic alternative to banana bread, but their square shape also makes them perfect for on-the-go treats. Whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or need a quick snack for the kids, these bars are a great choice. Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can add extra ingredients like walnuts, cinnamon, or even a scoop of peanut butter to create your own personalized version.

The Secret to Soft, Chewy Bars

The key to the irresistible texture of these bars lies in the combination of ripe bananas and melted butter. The bananas contribute moisture and flavor, while the butter provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together. The use of light brown sugar adds a subtle caramel flavor that perfectly complements the bananas and chocolate chips. These ingredients work together to create a soft, chewy bar that holds its shape without being too dense or too cakey. The texture is perfect for those who enjoy a thick, substantial snack that isn’t too crumbly.

The inclusion of mini chocolate chips further elevates the texture, creating little pockets of melted chocolate in every bite. Their small size ensures that each piece of the bar has just the right amount of chocolate without overwhelming the other flavors. For those who love a chocolatey treat, the melted chocolate chips create a satisfyingly rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the bananas.

A Healthy-ish Snack Option

Although these bars are undeniably delicious, they also offer some nutritional benefits. Bananas, the star ingredient, are an excellent source of potassium, fiber, and vitamins, which makes them a great addition to a balanced diet. The natural sweetness of the bananas allows you to use less sugar in the recipe compared to many other baked goods, making these bars a healthier option than traditional cakes or cookies. Additionally, the inclusion of mini chocolate chips provides a bit of indulgence without overloading the recipe with sugar.

The recipe also calls for simple ingredients that are easy to find in any pantry, so it’s an affordable, health-conscious option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings, these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars can be enjoyed guilt-free.

A Versatile Recipe for Any Occasion

What makes these bars so great is their versatility. Not only are they quick and easy to prepare, but they’re also customizable based on your personal preferences. You can use different types of flour, such as whole wheat or oat flour, to make them healthier or even gluten-free. You can swap out the chocolate chips for other add-ins like dried fruit, nuts, or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.

These bars can also be made in advance and stored for later use. They hold up well at room temperature for a few days, or you can refrigerate them for longer storage. In fact, chilling them in the fridge can help them firm up, making them easier to cut and even more satisfying to bite into. They’re perfect for meal prep or making a big batch to share with friends and family.

Perfect for Breakfast, Snacks, and Desserts

While these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars can certainly be enjoyed as a dessert, they’re also a fantastic breakfast or snack option. Their balanced combination of healthy carbohydrates from the bananas and oats, protein from the eggs, and fats from the butter make them filling enough to enjoy as a morning meal. They can be paired with a cup of coffee or tea to kickstart your day, providing both energy and satisfaction.

As an afternoon snack or dessert, these bars are equally appealing. The soft, chewy texture makes them feel like a comforting treat, while the chocolate chips add just enough indulgence to satisfy your sweet cravings without overdoing it. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent dessert.

Storing and Serving

These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are easy to store and can be enjoyed over several days. Simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to two months. To freeze, just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up for a few seconds in the microwave for that freshly-baked taste.

The versatility of these bars also makes them a great treat to serve at gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch, a birthday party, or a family get-together, these bars are easy to make in large batches and can be cut into smaller pieces for sharing. Their delicious banana and chocolate flavors will appeal to both kids and adults, making them a perfect addition to any spread.

Conclusion: A Simple, Delicious Treat

In conclusion, Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are the ultimate combination of simplicity and flavor. The moist and chewy texture, paired with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the richness of chocolate, makes them an irresistible treat for any time of day. Easy to prepare and customizable to suit different tastes, these bars are a great option for breakfast, snacks, or desserts. They’re also a healthier alternative to many other baked goods, thanks to the use of bananas and simple ingredients.

Whether you’re baking for yourself or making a batch to share with loved ones, these bars will quickly become a go-to recipe in your collection. Their delicious, comforting flavor, combined with their easy preparation and versatility, ensures they will be enjoyed by all. So next time you find yourself with ripe bananas, try making these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars for a satisfying and indulgent treat that you can enjoy any time!