The smell of overripe bananas on the counter always pulls me back. I see them, soft and sweet, and I know: it’s time for something cozy. These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are exactly what I crave when the afternoon feels just a little too quiet. Warm, chewy, and rich with mini chocolate chips, they bake up in no time and fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prep, just one bowl needed
- Perfect way to use ripe bananas
- Soft, moist, and chewy texture
- A crowd-pleaser for kids and adults
- Easy ingredients you probably have on hand
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for these chewy banana bars:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg (room temp)
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips (divided for topping)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Use bananas with plenty of brown spots for the sweetest flavor. Also, feel free to fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts for crunch or swap the mini chips for chunks if you love bigger bites of chocolate. Doubling the recipe? Bake in a 9×13 pan and add about 5 extra minutes.
How To Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
Melt butter in the microwave for about a minute, stir, then cool for 10-15 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, whisk cooled butter and light brown sugar until smooth.
Next, whisk in the egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla until fully combined (it might look a little curdled — that’s okay!).
Then, stir in dry ingredients gently until just combined.
Fold in most of the mini chocolate chips, saving a handful for sprinkling on top.
Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan, sprinkle remaining chips, and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden around the edges and a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool completely before lifting from pan and slicing.
Pro Tips for Success
- Cool melted butter so your Chocolate Chip Banana Bars stay blondie-like and moist
- Use room temp ingredients for even mixing
- Look for firm edges and a set, golden top for doneness
- Let your Chocolate Chip Banana Bars cool fully before slicing for neat squares
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
Refrigerate up to a week if you want them to last longer.
You can also freeze these bars up to a month; just thaw at room temperature and enjoy.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe Card
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Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
Description
Soft, chewy chocolate chip banana bars that are quick to make and perfect for using ripe bananas. A cozy treat for any day!
Ingredients
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract
¾ cup (128 g) mini chocolate chips, divided
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt butter in microwave for 1 minute, stir, and cool for 10–15 minutes.
3. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
4. In another bowl, whisk cooled butter and brown sugar until smooth.
5. Whisk in egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla until combined.
6. Stir dry ingredients into wet in two additions until just combined.
7. Fold in mini chocolate chips, reserving some for topping.
8. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan, top with remaining chips.
9. Bake 30–35 minutes until edges are firm and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool completely before lifting out and slicing.
Notes
Use ripe bananas with brown spots for best flavor.
Cool melted butter before mixing to help achieve blondie-like texture.
Cool bars fully before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Store at room temp 3–4 days, refrigerate up to a week, or freeze for up to a month.
Optional: add ½ cup chopped nuts for crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
More Such Recipes
Looking for more easy banana treats? You’ll love these:
- Soft and chewy banana bread brownies
- Easy banana bread chocolate chip cookies
- Delicious banana crumb coffee cake recipe
- Quick banana oatmeal cookies for snacking
FAQs
Why do bananas and chocolate go together?
Their flavors complement each other perfectly. Bananas add natural sweetness and creaminess, while chocolate brings richness.
Should banana bars be refrigerated?
Not necessary right away — they’re fine at room temp for a few days. Refrigerate if you want them to last up to a week.
How to know when chocolate chip banana bread is done?
Look for firm edges and a golden top. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
How long do banana chocolate chip muffins last?
About 3–4 days at room temp or up to a week in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
If you have ripe bananas, this is your sign to bake these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars today. They come together quickly, taste amazing, and make any day feel special.
For more inspiration, check out Pinterest and follow us on Facebook too!