Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Name: Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 113 grams unsalted butter, melted; 200 grams granulated sugar; 100 grams eggs, room temperature (2 large eggs); 3 bananas, mashed; 170 grams buttermilk, room temperature; 8 grams pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons); 240 grams all-purpose flour; 8 grams baking powder (2 teaspoons); 6 grams baking soda (1 teaspoon); 3 grams kosher salt (1 teaspoon); 266 grams mini chocolate chips, divided (1½ cups)

Author: Lora

Published: October 14, 2025

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Introduction to Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Well, right, there’s baking – the most wonderful pastime in the world. Does that mean I’m not spending hours in the kitchen mixing up some fantastic treat? You bet! Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are stress-free secrets I keep to indulge a craving I know I will earn in the little spare time that super hectic life leaves in the day, most likely to a busy multitasking mom. This, my friends, is a life-saver…ripe bananas turn magically into moist delicious bars perfect for an afternoon snack or fast dessert. Not just a sugar fix, these bars also warm the heart of your kitchen. Seriously, once you bake these, you will want to share the love!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Life gets busy, and who doesn’t need a quick but satisfying treat? These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars come together in no time, making them perfect for those chaotic days. They’re moist and bursting with flavor, thanks to the ripe bananas and rich chocolate. Plus, they’re a hit with everyone—from picky eaters to chocolate enthusiasts. You can whip up a batch quickly and watch them disappear. It’s pure happiness in every bite!

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Let’s gather everything we need for these scrumptious Chocolate Chip Banana Bars. Each ingredient plays a role in enhancing flavor and texture. Don’t worry; I’ll keep it simple.

Unsalted Butter: This creates a rich, moist base. Melt it for a quick mix-in.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! It balances the delicious banana flavor.
Eggs: They help bind the ingredients, giving structure to the bars. Room temperature works best!
Ripe Bananas: The stars of the show! Their natural sweetness and moisture are essential. Use deeply speckled ones for best flavor.
Buttermilk: This adds a delightful tang and tenderness. If you’re out, regular milk will do.
Pure Vanilla Extract: It enhances the overall taste, evoking memories of classic baked goodies.
All-Purpose Flour: A must for structure and balance. It provides the perfect base for our bars.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents create a light, fluffy texture. They make the bars rise beautifully!
Kosher Salt: Don’t skip this! It brings out the sweeter flavors in your ingredients.
Mini Chocolate Chips: These little bursts of chocolate goodness are irresistible! Use them generously and save some for topping.

For those curious, exact measurements are at the bottom of the article for easy printing. Let’s get those delicious bars baking!

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Ready to dive into the delicious world of baking? Making these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars is simpler than you might think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful treat in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for even baking. While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. This ensures our bars won’t stick when it’s time to slice them.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and eggs. I use a whisk, but a hand mixer works too. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. Add in the mashed bananas, buttermilk, and the pure vanilla extract. Mix again until you have a creamy texture. Trust me, that banana aroma will have you dreaming!

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Now, in another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This step ensures that our leavening agents are evenly distributed. Then, gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep those bars light and fluffy.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Here comes the fun part! Gently fold in 1¼ cups of mini chocolate chips, reserving the rest for the topping. This ensures pockets of gooey chocolate throughout. The anticipation of that chocolate melting will make your taste buds dance!

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips evenly on top for added deliciousness. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. To check if they’re ready, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they’re perfect!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Patience is key here! Once cool, slice them into squares and get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven. You can serve them warm, or let them cool down for a handy snack later.

Tips for Success

Use fully ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter; stop once the ingredients are just combined.
Allow the bars to cool completely for cleaner cuts and better texture.
Experiment with adding nuts or dried fruit for extra flavor.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them moist.

Equipment Needed

9×13-inch Baking Pan: Essential for baking your bars. If you don’t have one, an 8×11-inch pan works too, but adjust the baking time.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large bowl for wet ingredients and a medium one for dry ingredients.
Whisk or Hand Mixer: A whisk is perfect for blending, but a hand mixer makes it easier!
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Spatula: Handy for folding in chocolate chips and scraping the bowl clean.

Variations

Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Healthier Option: Substitute half the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of buttermilk, and replace the butter with coconut oil.
Vegan Delight: Swap the eggs for flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based butter for a vegan version.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor that elevates the bars.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce on top for an extra treat.
Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
A cup of coffee or tea makes for a delightful afternoon break.
Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.

FAQs about Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Curious about Chocolate Chip Banana Bars? Here are some frequently asked questions that may help you out.

Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely! Thaw them first and mash well. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture.

How do I store leftover bars?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, try refrigerating or freezing them!

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can substitute it with regular milk or make a quick homemade version by adding a splash of vinegar to regular milk.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just keep an eye on the texture as it may vary.

How can I enhance the chocolate flavor?
Try adding cocoa powder or chocolate chunks along with the mini chocolate chips for an extra rich taste!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking Chocolate Chip Banana Bars. The aroma that fills your kitchen is an instant mood booster, making the whole experience enjoyable. Every bite of these moist bars, packed with rich chocolate and lush banana flavor, brings smiles to the faces of my loved ones. They’re perfect for any occasion, be it a school lunch treat or an after-dinner dessert. Plus, they’re an excellent way to use up those overripe bananas! Once you try these, you’ll agree they’re more than just a treat—they’re a warm hug on a plate.