Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a mouthwatering treat that combines the comforting sweetness of ripe bananas with the irresistible allure of melty chocolate, then this Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe is your new best friend. These bars are tender, moist, and loaded with mini chocolate chips that create little pockets of gooey delight. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or a casual dessert, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich flavor and easy preparation, making it a must-try for home bakers who love a crowd-pleaser that’s as simple as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe calls for some basic, easy-to-find ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each component has a special role, from the creamy butter that adds richness to the mashed bananas that keep everything wonderfully moist and naturally sweet.

• Unsalted butter, ½ cup melted: Provides a creamy, buttery base that contributes to the tender crumb of the bars.
• Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering the banana flavor.
• Large eggs, 2: Bind the ingredients and help the bars rise to a fluffy, soft texture.
• Ripe bananas, 3 mashed: Add natural sweetness and moisture, plus that classic banana flavor everyone loves.
• Buttermilk, ¾ cup: Brings a subtle tang and keeps the bars tender and moist.
• Pure vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, inviting aroma.
• All-purpose flour, 2 cups: The structural backbone that holds the bars together.
• Baking powder, 2 teaspoons: Helps the bars rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking soda, 1 teaspoon: Works with the buttermilk to create a perfect rise and tender texture.
• Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate and banana flavor.
• Mini chocolate chips, 1½ cups, divided: Melt into little pockets of chocolatey goodness throughout and on top of the bars.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. This ensures your bars won’t stick and will have a nice, even bake—an essential first step for fuss-free baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Eggs

In a large bowl, using either a whisk or a hand mixer, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and eggs. Beat these together until well mixed and slightly fluffy—that’s your base to build all those flavors on.

Step 3: Add Bananas, Buttermilk, and Vanilla

Next, stir in the mashed bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture, flavor depth, and a slight tang, making your bars rich and delectable.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, blending just until combined to keep the bars light and tender.

Step 5: Fold in Most of the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in 1¼ cups of mini chocolate chips, distributing that glorious chocolate throughout the batter without overmixing—it’s the secret to delicious pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.

Step 6: Pour Batter into Pan

Transfer the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking and consistent texture across all bars.

Step 7: Sprinkle Remaining Chocolate Chips on Top

Scatter the remaining chocolate chips on the surface of the batter. These will melt slightly during baking, adding a beautiful, glossy topping that makes these bars look as delicious as they taste.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the bars for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This timing gives you moist, tender bars that hold together beautifully without being soggy.

Step 9: Cool Before Cutting

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 squares. Cooling helps them set up perfectly so each bite is neat and satisfying without crumbling.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe presentation by dusting a little powdered sugar over the top or adding a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair. A sprinkle of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, adds wonderful crunch and visual interest.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luscious dessert, or pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea to elevate your afternoon snack. Fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced bananas complements the flavors beautifully, adding a fresh, juicy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a decorative platter with chocolate drizzles and fresh mint leaves. Layering them with whipped cream and banana slices in a trifle dish makes a fun, impressive dessert twist everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Chocolate Chip Banana Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and fresh, perfect for grab-and-go treats throughout the week.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months and thaw quickly whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To enjoy a warm bar, simply microwave it for 15 to 20 seconds or warm in a low oven for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll get that freshly-baked feeling all over again with melted chocolate that’s heavenly.

FAQs

Can I use regular bananas or frozen bananas for this recipe?

Fresh ripe bananas are best for optimal flavor and moisture, but thawed frozen bananas work well too. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid a runny batter.

What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute it?

You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using. This adds the acidity needed for a tender crumb.

Are mini chocolate chips necessary, or can I use regular-sized chips?

Mini chocolate chips melt more evenly and blend better in the bars, but regular-sized chips will work just fine if that’s what you have. Just expect slightly larger bites of chocolate.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut make fantastic additions that add texture and flavor. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips before baking.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

The best test is inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, never wet batter. This ensures your bars are set but still tender and moist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a homemade batch of Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe, from the tender banana-infused crumb to the melty chocolate gems hidden inside. This recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate, and I can’t recommend it enough for any time you want an easy, crowd-pleasing treat. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become a staple that everyone asks for again and again.

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