There’s something irresistible about the combination of ripe bananas and chocolate.
These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are moist, chewy, and full of rich flavor, perfect for an afternoon snack or a sweet treat after dinner.
They’re simple to prepare and a great way to use up those bananas sitting on your counter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars are soft and chewy with the natural sweetness of bananas.
The mini chocolate chips melt into little pockets of chocolate in every bite.
They’re baked in one pan, making prep and cleanup quick and easy.
The recipe uses basic pantry staples and is ready in under an hour.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, creating the perfect texture.
Brown sugar adds depth of flavor with a caramel-like sweetness.
Mini chocolate chips ensure a little chocolate in every bite.
Melted butter helps the bars stay rich, tender, and flavorful.
A touch of vanilla ties everything together with warmth.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Make sure your bananas are overripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
Cool the melted butter slightly before mixing so it doesn’t scramble the egg.
Reserve some chocolate chips for sprinkling on top before baking.
Don’t overmix the batter once flour is added—this keeps the bars soft.
Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and slicing.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Step 1 – Prepare the pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper along the bottom and two sides.
Step 2 – Melt the butter
Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute.
Stir, and if needed, heat another 15 seconds.
Cool for 10–15 minutes until warm but not hot.
Step 3 – Mix the dry ingredients
a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 4 – Combine the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk cooled butter with brown sugar until smooth.
Add the egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla.
Whisk until mixture looks combined, even if slightly curdled.
Step 5 – Add dry to wet
Stir the flour mixture into the wet batter in two additions, just until no streaks remain.
fold in chocolate chips, reserving some for topping.
Step 6 – Spread into pan
Pour batter into prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.
remaining chocolate chips on top.
Step 7 – Bake the bars
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until edges are set and center is cooked through.
A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8 – Cool and slice
Allow bars to cool fully in the pan.
Lift them out with parchment, slice, and enjoy.
What to Serve Them With
Pair with a cold glass of milk for a classic snack.
Serve with coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap mini chocolate chips with white chocolate or peanut butter chips.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
Stir in shredded coconut for extra sweetness.
Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
Storage & Leftovers
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep them fresh longer.
Freeze bars (wrapped individually) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, use a 9×13 pan and adjust bake time by 5–10 minutes.
Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?
Not required, but refrigeration will keep them moist for longer.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, replace flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Why is my batter curdled after adding bananas?
It’s normal—the flour will smooth it out once mixed.
How do I know when the bars are done?
Edges should be set, and a toothpick in the center should have moist crumbs but no raw batter.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars strike the perfect balance of sweetness, softness, and chocolatey richness.
They’re quick to bake, easy to share, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Once you try them, you’ll want to keep bananas on hand just for this recipe.
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.