![- 2 ripe bananas, well mashed - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt The key to these bars is ripe bananas. They add natural sweetness and moisture. Choose bananas that are brown and soft for the best flavor. The melted unsalted butter brings richness and helps the bars stay soft. Next, the sugars play a big role. Brown sugar gives a deep, caramel-like taste. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, balancing the flavors perfectly. Eggs provide structure. They bind the ingredients and help the bars rise. Vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma and flavor. Baking powder and baking soda are vital for leavening. They help the bars rise and become fluffy. Finally, flour creates the base. It holds everything together, so choose all-purpose flour for the right texture. - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts Adding semi-sweet chocolate chips takes these bars to another level. They melt into gooey pockets of goodness. Chopped walnuts add a nice crunch and a nutty flavor. If you prefer a nut-free version, skip the walnuts. You can find the full recipe [here]. - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper. Start by heating your oven to 350°F. This step is key for even baking. Choose a 9x9 inch baking pan. Greasing it helps the bars come out easily. If you prefer, you can line the pan with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze! - Combine mashed bananas with melted butter. - Incorporate sugars and mix well. - Add eggs and vanilla extract. Next, take your ripe bananas and mash them until smooth. Mix in the melted butter until it looks creamy. Add both brown and granulated sugars. Stir this mixture well so the sugars melt into the bananas. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time. Finally, stir in the pure vanilla extract to give it a nice flavor. - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. - Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. - Gently mix in chocolate chips and walnuts. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to combine the dry ingredients evenly. Now, fold the dry mix into the wet banana mixture. Be gentle here; overmixing can make the bars tough. Once just combined, add the chocolate chips and walnuts, folding them in until evenly spread. - Pour batter into the prepared pan. - Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness. Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake it in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter. This method will give you perfect, chewy chocolate chip banana bars. For the full recipe, refer to the provided link. To make your chocolate chip banana bars soft, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense bars. Mix just until the dry ingredients combine with the wet ones. This keeps the bars light and fluffy. Need ripe bananas fast? Place your bananas in a brown paper bag. Seal the bag and leave it at room temperature. The ethylene gas will speed up ripening. You can also bake unpeeled bananas at 300°F for about 15-20 minutes. Let them cool before mashing. Both methods work great! Want to boost flavor? Try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices add warmth and depth to the bars. You can even experiment with different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate can change the taste. Mix and match to find your favorite! When your bars cool, cut them into neat squares. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. For a lovely display, arrange them on a colorful plate. For extra flair, dust some powdered sugar on top. This gives a pretty finish. You can also serve the bars with a scoop of ice cream. The combination of warm bars and cold ice cream is pure joy! For the full recipe, please refer to the section above. {{image_4}} You can make these bars gluten-free! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a mix that includes xanthan gum. This helps to give your bars the right texture. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour, but you might need to adjust the amount of liquid. Each flour has its unique properties, so experiment to find what you like best. Want a vegan treat? You can replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. For flax eggs, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with two and a half tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. If you prefer applesauce, use a quarter cup for each egg. Also, swap out regular butter for plant-based butter. This keeps the bars moist and delicious. If you want a healthier version, try reducing the sugar. You can use honey or maple syrup instead. These natural sweeteners can add a nice flavor. For extra nutrition, add healthy mix-ins like oats or seeds. They give the bars a fun texture and boost the fiber. You can also toss in some dark chocolate chips for a richer taste, making them a bit more indulgent while still being better for you. Check out the Full Recipe for all the details on how to make these variations! You can store your chocolate chip banana bars at room temperature. Just keep them in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh for about three days. If you want them to last longer, put them in the fridge. They can stay fresh for up to a week in there. Make sure you wrap them well to prevent dryness. Freezing chocolate chip banana bars is easy and smart. First, let the bars cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer bag. You can freeze these bars for up to three months. To thaw, take them out and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. You can also heat them gently in the microwave for a warm treat. For the best taste, eat your chocolate chip banana bars within three days if stored at room temperature. If kept in the fridge, they taste great for up to a week. When frozen, they will keep their flavor and texture for about three months. So, enjoy them fresh or save them for later! You want your bananas to be very ripe. Look for bananas with brown spots. The more spots, the sweeter they are. Overripe bananas make the bars moist and flavorful. If your bananas are still yellow, let them sit for a few days. They will ripen quickly. Yes, you can double the recipe! Use a larger pan, like a 9x13 inch one. This will help the bars bake evenly. Keep an eye on the baking time. You might need to add a few extra minutes. Check for doneness using a toothpick. If you need an egg substitute, use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. You can also use flax eggs. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Both options help keep the bars moist. To cut the bars cleanly, use a sharp knife. Run the knife under hot water, then dry it before cutting. This helps make smooth cuts. Wait until the bars cool completely to avoid crumbling. Cutting while warm can lead to messy pieces. In this post, we covered how to create delicious chocolate chip banana bars. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect texture. We also discussed variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. These bars are easy to make and can adapt to fit your needs. Enjoy making your own version at home and share them with friends or family. You will love how they turn out!](https://meltedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/8afb6fab-1841-4780-a4c8-35bba2231ead-300x300.webp)
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Indulge in the deliciousness of Decadent Chocolate Chip Banana Bars! These irresistible treats combine ripe bananas, melted butter, and semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweet snack everyone will love. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up this simple recipe that's perfect for dessert or an afternoon treat. Click through to discover the full recipe and savor every bite of these delightful bars!