Chocolate Chip Banana Bars – Indulge in the perfect blend of chocolate and banana flavors with these delightful Chocolate Chip Banana Bars. This recipe combines the moistness of ripe bananas, the richness of chocolate chips, and a hint of vanilla to create a truly irresistible treat. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a banana enthusiast, these bars will captivate your taste buds and leave you craving more. Join me on this mouthwatering adventure and discover why these bars are worth every delicious bite!
In my household, these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars have become a beloved tradition. The moment the aroma of freshly baked banana and chocolate wafts through the air, my husband and our little family gather around the kitchen, eagerly awaiting their turn to savor these delectable treats. We each have our own anecdote tied to these bars, from lazy Sunday mornings spent enjoying them with a cup of coffee to surprising our friends with a warm batch straight from the oven. These bars have woven themselves into the fabric of our lives, bringing us comfort, joy, and a shared love for homemade goodness.
Why These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Are Irresistible?
- The Perfect Combination: Indulge in the heavenly marriage of sweet, ripe bananas and rich chocolate chips, creating a match made in dessert heaven.
- Moist and Flavorful: The addition of mashed overripe bananas keeps these bars incredibly moist, adding a burst of natural sweetness to every bite.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these bars are a breeze to prepare, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Versatile Delight: Enjoy these bars as a delightful breakfast treat, a satisfying snack, or a scrumptious dessert. They’re incredibly versatile and fit any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 tsp (6g) vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp (3g) fine salt
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (250g) mashed overripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 3/4 cup (125g) chocolate chips, chopped
Directions:
Preheat your 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.
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes lighter in color, approximately 2 minutes.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl. Mix on medium-low speed until well combined, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed with a rubber spatula.
Incorporate the all-purpose flour into the mixture, mixing on low until just combined.
Fold in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
Gently fold in the chopped chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top of the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top.
Bake for 33-37 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is baked through. Rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even baking.
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, use a sharp, warm knife to cut the bars into 16 squares. Wipe the blade with a paper towel after each cut for clean slices.
These delightful bars can be stored at room temperature for a few days, covered with plastic wrap, or kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes:
- To enhance the flavors, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to the batter.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, to create unique variations.
- For an extra indulgent twist, serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
In conclusion, these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a true testament to the magic that happens when you combine simple ingredients with love and creativity. From the first bite to the last, these bars will transport you to a realm of sweet indulgence and pure delight. Whether you’re sharing them with family and friends or enjoying a quiet moment of self-indulgence, these bars are sure to leave a lasting impression.
So, why wait? Embrace the joy of baking and let the scent of warm chocolate and ripe bananas fill your home. Create your own story, just like my family did, and let these bars become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire. With their moist texture, delectable flavors, and irresistible charm, these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are ready to conquer hearts, one bite at a time.
So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a journey of taste and nostalgia. It’s time to treat yourself to a little slice of heaven with these sensational Chocolate Chip Banana Bars. Indulge, savor, and create memories that will be cherished for years to come. Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I use melted butter instead of softened butter?
It’s best to use softened butter in this recipe as it allows for better creaming with the sugar. Melted butter may alter the texture of the bars.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Thaw them completely before mashing and incorporating them into the batter.
Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?
While you can use whole wheat flour, keep in mind that it will yield a denser texture. For a lighter result, it’s recommended to stick with all-purpose flour.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can be a delightful addition to these bars. Fold them in along with the chocolate chips.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 113g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup 200g packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 1/2 tsp 6g vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp 3g fine salt
- 1 cup 125g all-purpose flour
- 1 cup 250g mashed overripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 3/4 cup 125g chocolate chips, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray. Set it aside.
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes lighter in color, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl. Mix on medium-low speed until well combined, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed with a rubber spatula.
- Incorporate the all-purpose flour into the mixture, mixing on low until just combined.
- Fold in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the chopped chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top of the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 33-37 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is baked through. Rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even baking.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Once cooled, use a sharp, warm knife to cut the bars into 16 squares. Wipe the blade with a paper towel after each cut for clean slices.
- These delightful bars can be stored at room temperature for a few days, covered with plastic wrap, or kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
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