If you’ve got a stash of overripe bananas but want something other than banana bread, these Banana Chocolate Chip Bars are a perfect twist! Think of them as a delicious blend between banana bread, blondies, and brownies. Moist, chewy, and almost fudgy, they’re loaded with rich banana flavor and dotted with melty chocolate chips for an extra treat.
These bars are so easy to make and can be whipped up by hand or with a mixer—just be sure your butter is super soft if mixing by hand! Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness, making these bars both tasty and (almost) healthy.
Why Use Overripe Bananas?
Overripe bananas are ideal for baking because their natural starches have broken down into sugars, which add sweetness and moisture to baked goods. They’re also easier to mash, creating a smooth, even texture, and their intensified banana flavor shines through beautifully.
Quick Tip for Ripening Bananas Fast
Need ripe bananas quickly? Bake yellow bananas on a foil-lined baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes until the skins are dark brown. Cool, then peel and mash!
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
- Butter: Use salted butter and skip the added salt, or substitute vegan butter. Browned butter adds a nutty flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Substitute with light or dark brown sugar, or try less-refined options like coconut sugar.
- Egg: Use a flaxseed egg for a vegan option.
- Chocolate Chips: Any type works—milk, dark, or semi-sweet. Roughly chop for even distribution, or swap for nuts for a twist.
Healthier Ingredient Options
- Replace half the butter with applesauce, or use coconut oil for a lighter version.
- Substitute extra mashed banana for part of the sugar.
- Add ground flax seeds for fiber—they blend in without altering taste.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for a month. Place parchment between stacked bars to prevent sticking.
Tips for the Best Banana Bars
- Measure flour accurately (spoon and level or use a kitchen scale).
- Don’t over-mix the batter to keep it light and chewy.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
- Allow bars to cool fully before cutting for clean slices.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
4
servings10
minutes35
minutesThese Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are like banana blondies—soft, moist, and the perfect treat to use up ripe bananas!
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (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 bananas (about 2 large bananas, 250g)
3/4 cup chocolate chips, chopped (125g)
Directions
- Prep the Oven & Pan: Preheat 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 & Sugar: In a large bowl (or stand mixer bowl), cream together softened butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes, until lighter in color. If mixing by hand, ensure the butter is very soft.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and salt on medium-low speed until well combined. Scrape the bowl as needed.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and mix on low until just combined.
- Add Bananas and Chocolate Chips: Fold in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top. Bake for 33-37 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set, rotating the pan halfway through.
- Cool and Cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, gently lift the bars out using the parchment and cut into 16 squares with a sharp, warm knife. Clean the blade between cuts for tidy squares.