These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are soft, tender, and taste just like banana blondies! They’re the perfect way to use up ripe bananas and make an irresistible dessert or snack.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
- 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar (200g)
- 1 large egg, room temperature (56g)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (6g)
- 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
- 1 cup mashed overripe banana (about 2 large bananas, 250g)
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (125g)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. If mixing by hand, ensure the butter is very soft. - Add Wet Ingredients:
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and salt on medium speed until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. - Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Add the flour and mix on low speed until just combined. - Fold in Bananas and Chocolate:
Gently fold the mashed bananas into the batter until fully incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top. - Bake the Bars:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top. Bake for 33-37 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even results. - Cool and Slice:
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, carefully remove from the pan and slice into 16 squares using a warm, sharp knife for clean cuts.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep for up to a week in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Store for up to 1 month. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Tips & Variations
- Doubling the Recipe: Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 37-42 minutes.
- Using a Glass Pan: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and bake slightly longer.
- For best results, measure your flour using the spoon-and-level method or use a kitchen scale.
These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are moist, flavorful, and easy to make—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
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