Decadent Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

Alright, these bars are like banana bread’s rich, chocolatey cousin. They’re soft, sweet, and loaded with melty chocolate chips. I made them once—and now they’re a weekly thing.

They’ve got ripe banana flavor, a hint of vanilla, and that gooey chocolate in every bite. The texture? Super moist and chewy. It’s the kind of treat that feels like a hug.

If you’ve got brown bananas, this is the way to use them. Great for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack. I always cut a few extra squares… just for me.

Let’s bake these bars together. It’s easy, fast, and seriously delicious—you won’t regret it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Tender: Thanks to ripe bananas and just the right ratio of fat and sugar, each bite is melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• Easy and Reliable: One bowl, no mixer, no fuss. Just stir, pour, and bake.
• Crowd-Friendly: Great for school lunches, potlucks, or late-night cravings.
• Customizable: Swap the chocolate chips for walnuts, or toss in peanut butter chips for a flavor twist.
• Naturally Sweet: The bananas do most of the heavy lifting for sweetness, so it’s not overly sugary.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: About 50 minutes

Servings:

• Makes about 16 bars. You can cut them smaller or larger depending on the occasion.

Difficulty:

• Very beginner-friendly. Perfect for first-time bakers or quick weeknight prep.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowl (large)
• Whisk or spatula
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire rack (for cooling)

Ingredients for Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

Here’s everything you need to make this comforting and chocolatey banana dessert:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted – Gives richness and helps with a tender texture.
• 2 cups (400g) brown sugar – Adds deep caramel flavor and keeps the bars moist.
• 2 large eggs – Binds the batter and adds structure.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Enhances the banana and chocolate flavor.
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour – Provides the base structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bars rise gently.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced or mashed – The star ingredient. Overripe works best for flavor.
• 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips – Semi-sweet or dark for just the right chocolatey contrast.

Variations for Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

• Add Nuts: Mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Swirl in Peanut Butter: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter into the batter and swirl with a knife before baking.
• Use White Chocolate: Swap the regular chocolate chips for white chocolate for a sweeter bite.
• Add Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon (½ tsp) in the batter gives a warm, cozy twist.
• Top with Sea Salt: Sprinkle a little flaky salt on top after baking for a sweet-salty contrast.

How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Bars – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy lifting.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
• Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

3. Add the Bananas

• Stir in the mashed or thinly sliced bananas until they’re fully mixed in. The batter should look thick but pourable.

4. Add Dry Ingredients

• Sprinkle in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Stir gently just until combined—don’t overmix.

5. Fold in Chocolate Chips

• Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6. Bake

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 35–38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

7. Cool and Slice

• Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20–30 minutes.
• For cleaner cuts, wait until fully cooled before slicing into squares.

Serving and Decoration

You can serve these bars warm, at room temperature, or even chilled. They’re delicious on their own but even better with:

• A drizzle of melted chocolate on top for extra indulgence.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert-style serving.
• A dusting of powdered sugar for a simple, pretty finish.

They’re perfect for lunchboxes, dessert platters, bake sales, or as a sweet afternoon snack with coffee or milk.

How to Store Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Lasts up to a week when chilled—great for make-ahead treats.
• Freezer: Freeze bars (individually wrapped or stacked with parchment) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Overripe Bananas: The darker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful the bars.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, stir gently to keep the texture soft.
• Line Your Pan: Parchment makes removal easier and gives cleaner edges.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: This helps the bars firm up and slice neatly.

Nutrition (Per Serving – 1 of 16 bars)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	275 kcal
Total Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	38g
Sugars	24g
Protein	3g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	110mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw them first and drain off excess liquid before using.

Can I use white sugar instead of brown?
Brown sugar gives a deeper flavor and more moisture. You can use white sugar, but the bars may be drier.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix. The texture may vary slightly.

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can cut back by ¼ cup, especially if your bananas are very ripe. But too little sugar may affect moisture and structure.

Conclusion

These Banana Chocolate Chip Bars are the kind of dessert I go back to again and again—easy, satisfying, and comforting. Whether you’re baking with your kids or just using up those ripe bananas on the counter, this recipe makes a sweet moment out of simple ingredients.