Ah, the wonderful world of baking where flavors harmonize, creating delightful treats for our taste buds. Enter the Chocolate Chip Banana Bars – a delightful blend of rich chocolate and the wholesome goodness of ripe bananas. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something spectacular.

 

Bananas and Chocolate: A Match Made in Heaven – Personal Note: If I could describe the perfect culinary duo, it would undoubtedly be bananas and chocolate. The sweet, slightly nutty flavor of ripe bananas combined with the luscious decadence of chocolate chips is a match made in dessert heaven.

 

Creating these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars was a breeze. First, preheat your oven and prepare your baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring your creation won’t stick.

 

In a large bowl, I began by creaming together softened butter and brown sugar. Mixing them to a lighter shade was almost mesmerizing, and I couldn’t help but sneak a taste – a hint of caramel sweetness with a rich buttery touch.

 

Then, a large egg joined the mix, followed by vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, creating a symphony of flavors.

 

With the wet ingredients well combined, I gently folded in the all-purpose flour. The batter came together effortlessly, and I could already sense the soft, cakey texture taking shape.

 

But here’s where the magic happened: the mashed overripe bananas. As they mingled with the batter, the aroma was pure bliss. The bananas brought a natural sweetness and a subtle earthiness that elevated the entire experience.

 

As if things couldn’t get better, in went the chocolate chips. I used mini chocolate chips but feel free to use chopped chocolate for added texture. A sprinkle of them on top before baking added a final touch of decadence.

 

Into the oven they went, and the anticipation was palpable. The bars transformed into golden perfection, with the edges crisped to perfection.

 

Once out of the oven, I let them cool on a wire rack, filling the kitchen with the irresistible scent of freshly baked banana and chocolate.

 

Cutting them into squares was like revealing hidden treasures. Each bite was a burst of flavor and texture, from the moist center to the melty chocolate chips.

 

These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a testament to the joy of baking – simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. They’re the ideal treat for any occasion or simply as a delightful way to satisfy your sweet cravings.

 

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

 

Ingredients:

Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

• 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, chopped (125g)

 

Instructions:

 

Chocolate Chip Banana Bars (modified from Gimme Delicious)

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray. Set it aside.
2. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup brown sugar using a stand mixer or hand mixer. Mix on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes lighter in color. You can also make this batter by hand with a whisk, but the butter should be quite soft.
3. Add 1 large egg, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp fine salt. Mix on medium-low speed until combined, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed with a rubber spatula.
4. Mix in 1 cup of all-purpose flour on low speed until just combined.
5. Fold 1 cup mashed banana into the batter until fully incorporated.
6. Then fold in 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate chips, saving a few to sprinkle on top of the batter before baking.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle a few additional bits of chocolate on top of the batter.
8. Bake for 33-37 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is baked through. Rotate the pan halfway through baking to help the bars bake evenly.
9. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Let the bars fully cool in the pan. Once cool, gently remove the bars from the pan and cut them into 16 squares using a sharp, warm knife. Wipe the blade after each cut with a paper towel to get nice, clean cuts.
10. These bars can sit at room temperature for a few days or be covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

 

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bars!

 

 

 

Special Equipment:

• 8×8-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Cooking spray

 

Serving Suggestions: These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a delightful treat that pairs well with various serving options:

• Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over the bars for added sweetness.
• Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
• Enjoy as a snack with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.

 

 

Tips & Variations:

• Make these bars even more decadent by adding a layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or butterscotch chips.
• For added texture and flavor, fold in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans.
• Customize the sweetness to your liking by using ripe bananas with different levels of sweetness.
• These bars can be frozen for longer storage; simply wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer.

 

 

 

Common Questions:

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.

 

 

What can I use if I don’t have parchment paper for lining the baking dish?

If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

 

 

Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?

Yes, regular-sized chocolate chips will work just fine. You can also use chopped chocolate for a more rustic look.

 

How can I tell when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.

 

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 substitute for regular flour.