These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a deliciously moist and tender treat that taste just like banana blondies! They’re the perfect way to use up ripe bananas and are packed with sweet chocolate chips. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature, 113g)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark, 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 (chopped, 125g)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Mix Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl or using a stand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar for about 2 minutes on medium-high speed, until the mixture is light and fluffy. (Note: If you’re doing this by hand, make sure your butter is very soft to get the same result.)
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix on medium-low speed until fully combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Incorporate Flour: Add the all-purpose flour and mix on low speed until just combined.
- Add Bananas & Chocolate: Gently fold in the mashed bananas, making sure they’re fully mixed into the batter. Then, fold in 3/4 cup of chopped chocolate chips, saving a few extra for topping.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the top. Bake for 33-37 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set. Rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even baking.
- Cool & Slice: Once the bars are baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. After cooling, gently lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. For clean cuts, use a sharp, warm knife, wiping the blade between each cut. Slice into 16 squares.
- Storage: Store the bars at room temperature for a couple of days, or keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are soft, rich, and perfect for snack time or dessert. Enjoy!