Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
Chocolate chip banana bars are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with rich chocolate chips. This Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, making it a versatile option for any occasion. You’ll love the moist and chewy texture that sets these bars apart from traditional banana bread. They’re incredibly easy to make and sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 15 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy days.
- Deliciously Moist: The combination of bananas and butter creates a rich texture that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Serve them warm or at room temperature!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves chocolate chip cookies; adding bananas makes them even better!
- Freezer-Friendly: These bars can be stored in the freezer for a quick snack later on.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience seamless, gather the essential tools beforehand.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- 8×8 inch baking pan: Perfect size for even cooking and easy slicing once baked.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
- Mixing bowls: Allows you to easily combine ingredients without mess.
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe:
– ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
– 1 cup (120 g) all purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar
– 1 large egg, room temperature
– 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
– 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract
– ¾ cup (128 g) mini chocolate chips, divided
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 F (177 C).
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper along the bottom and two sides for easy removal after baking.
Step 3: Melt the Butter
Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt it in the microwave for about 1 minute. Stir it well; if needed, heat again for 15 seconds. Allow it to cool for 10 – 15 minutes until it’s warm but not hot.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cooled butter and light brown sugar until smooth. Then add in the egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined; don’t worry if it looks a bit curdled!
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Fold in mini chocolate chips but save some for topping later.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it evenly using a spatula. Top with remaining mini chocolate chips if desired. Bake for about 30 – 35 minutes or until firm around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Step 8: Cool & Slice
Let your buttery banana chocolate bars cool in the pan to room temperature. Once completely cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper edges, slice into squares, and enjoy!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
Chocolate chip banana bars can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these versatile treats are sure to please everyone. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience with this delicious recipe.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the moist banana bars.
- Chocolate ice cream: For an extra chocolatey treat, serve with chocolate ice cream.
Drizzled with Peanut Butter
- Warmed peanut butter: A warm drizzle adds a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the bars.
- Crunchy peanut butter: For added texture, use crunchy peanut butter to top your bars.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Fresh whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream gives a light and airy touch to each bite.
- Flavored whipped cream: Consider adding a hint of vanilla or cinnamon for extra flavor.
Accompanied by Fresh Fruit
- Sliced strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a burst of freshness alongside the rich flavors.
- Banana slices: Enhance the banana flavor by adding more ripe banana slices on top.
Served with Coffee or Tea
- Brewed coffee: The rich taste of coffee complements the sweetness of the chocolate chip banana bars.
- Herbal tea: A calming herbal tea can balance out the richness and provide a soothing experience.
How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
To ensure your chocolate chip banana bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use ripe bananas: Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, which enhances flavor.
- Don’t overmix: Stir until just combined to keep the bars tender and avoid toughness.
- Check baking time: Ovens vary; start checking at 30 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Cool completely: Allowing them to cool helps set the texture, making them easier to cut.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit for additional flavors and textures.
- Store properly: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
Pairing side dishes with chocolate chip banana bars can elevate your meal. Here are some delightful options that complement their flavors well.
- Greek Yogurt: Creamy Greek yogurt adds protein and a tangy contrast to the sweet bars.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances the richness of the bars.
- Granola: Crunchy granola sprinkled on top offers texture and additional flavor contrasts.
- Chia Seed Pudding: A light chia seed pudding is nutritious and pairs well as a side dish.
- Cottage Cheese: High in protein, cottage cheese brings a creamy element that complements sweetness.
- Nut Butter Toast: Whole grain toast spread with nut butter makes for a filling addition to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making chocolate chip banana bars can be fun, but it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
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Skipping the butter cooling: If you don’t allow the melted butter to cool, it can cook the egg when mixed in, resulting in a scrambled texture. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before combining with other ingredients.
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Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much after adding the dry ingredients can lead to dense bars. Stir just until combined for light, tender banana bars.
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Using unripe bananas: Unripe bananas won’t provide enough sweetness or moisture. Use fully ripe bananas for best flavor and texture.
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Not checking for doneness: Baking times can vary. Always test with a toothpick to ensure they’re done; a few crumbs are okay, but wet batter means they need more time.
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Ignoring parchment paper: Skipping parchment can make removal difficult. Line your pan properly to ensure easy lifting after baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store chocolate chip banana bars in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, warming gently while covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:
How do I make my chocolate chip banana bars more flavorful?
Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor of your chocolate chip banana bars. You can also mix in nuts or dried fruit for extra taste and texture.
Can I substitute whole wheat flour in this Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe?
Yes! Whole wheat flour can be substituted one-for-one for all-purpose flour, although it may give a denser texture.
What should I do if my banana bars are too crumbly?
If your bars turn out crumbly, it might be due to too much flour. Make sure you measure accurately, using the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag.
Can I use frozen bananas in this Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and mash before adding them into the batter. They will still provide great flavor and moisture.
Final Thoughts
These chocolate chip banana bars are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect as a snack, breakfast option, or dessert, they offer a wonderful way to use ripe bananas. Feel free to customize with nuts or different types of chocolate chips to make them uniquely yours!
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are the perfect blend of sweet ripe bananas and rich chocolate chips, creating an irresistible treat that’s ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. This easy recipe yields moist, chewy bars that stand out from traditional banana bread. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious bars that are sure to delight family and friends. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, and feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins!
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, allowing it to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine cooled butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and top with extra chocolate chips if desired. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Cool completely before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
