These Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a delicious way to use up ripe bananas! They are sweet, soft, and packed with chocolate chips that make every bite wonderful.
The best part? They bake up quickly, and the smell while they’re cooking is just heavenly! I love having them warm with a cup of milk. You’ll want to share, but maybe save a few for yourself! 🍌🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots as they are sweeter and easier to mash. If you’re low on bananas, you can use unsweetened applesauce—about ½ cup for this recipe works well.
Flour: All-purpose flour is great for this recipe, but if you want a healthier option, whole wheat flour can substitute for part of the all-purpose flour. Just remember, it may make the bars a bit denser.
Sugar: I like using granulated sugar, but you can also use brown sugar for a richer flavor. If you’re aiming to cut down on sugar, try reducing it a bit or using a sugar substitute like coconut sugar.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil keeps these bars moist. Melted butter is a great swap for a buttery taste. If you prefer a lighter option, try using unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for half of the oil.
What’s the Best Way to Mix the Batter Without Overmixing?
Overmixing can make your banana bars tough, so it’s crucial to mix just until combined. Here’s how to do it right:
- After mixing wet ingredients, add the dry ingredients slowly.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the flour in. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl gently.
- Stop mixing as soon as you don’t see any flour. A few lumps are perfectly fine—this keeps your bars soft!
Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bars:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking. After baking, let the bars cool for a bit before slicing. In total, you’ll be enjoying your delicious bars in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by getting your oven nice and hot! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it, or you can use parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will make sure everything is evenly combined. Once mixed, set this bowl aside for later.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, oil or melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg together. Use a fork or a whisk to mix it until it’s smooth and creamy. This is where the lovely banana flavor comes from!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, it’s time to make the magic happen! Gradually add your dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Remember, you don’t want to overmix—just mix until there are no visible flour streaks!
5. Add the Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the chocolate chips carefully. By folding, you keep the batter fluffy and light. Make sure the chips are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the Batter into the Pan:
Pour your delicious batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the pan. This ensures every piece will bake evenly.
7. Bake Your Bars:
Put the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!
8. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This helps them firm up a bit. Once cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Now it’s time to dig in! Enjoy your moist, chocolate-studded banana bars with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage. Share with friends or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here!
FAQ for Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen bananas, make sure to thaw them completely first. Once thawed, mash them as usual. They may have a bit more moisture, so you can reduce the sugar slightly if desired.
How Do I Store Leftover Banana Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Can I Substitute the Egg in This Recipe?
Yes! If you want to make this recipe egg-free, you can use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed ripe banana as a substitute for one egg. Both options will add moisture and help bind the ingredients together.
What Can I Add to Customize These Bars?
Feel free to get creative! You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture, or swap chocolate chips for peanut butter chips for a different flavor. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can also enhance the taste!
