Description
These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a deliciously moist and sweet treat, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich chocolate chips in a soft, cake-like bar. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat, they are easy to make and bake in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar (200g)
- 1 large egg, room temperature (56g)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (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, chopped (125g)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature when your batter is ready.
- Prepare Pan: Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking and make removing the bars easier.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is key for a tender texture.
- Add Egg, Vanilla, and Salt: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Fold in Bananas and Flour: Gently fold in the mashed bananas and flour just until incorporated, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chopped chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter for bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares to finish setting and to serve easily.
Notes
- For best flavor, use overripe bananas as they are sweeter and more aromatic.
- Chill your butter if it’s too soft, or soften it at room temperature for easy creaming.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruits for variation.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat slightly before serving for a softer texture and melty chocolate chips.
