Description
Deliciously moist and sweet Chocolate Chip Banana Bars made with ripe bananas, studded with melty chocolate chips, and baked to golden perfection. These bars are perfect for a quick snack or dessert, combining the natural sweetness of bananas with the indulgence of chocolate in a tender, easy-to-make treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the banana bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to combine and create an even leavening base for the batter.
- Mash Bananas and Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter and granulated sugar, mixing until the combination is uniform and creamy.
- Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter and maintain a tender texture.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the batter without deflating it.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 squares to ensure they hold their shape and are easy to serve.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture in the bars.
- Do not over-mix the batter once the flour is added to keep the bars tender.
- Feel free to swap chocolate chips for nuts or dried fruit if preferred.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars freeze well; wrap individual pieces and freeze for up to 3 months.
