The perfect harmony of banana bread and chocolate chip cookies, these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are everything you love about homemade baking in one soft, golden-baked square. They’re ultra-moist thanks to ripe bananas, and each bite delivers a melty burst of chocolate that keeps you reaching for more.
Ideal for using up overripe bananas or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe comes together with pantry staples in under an hour. Whether you’re whipping them up for a midweek treat, sharing at a gathering, or packing for a lunchbox surprise, these bars are an easy crowd-pleaser.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
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1/4 cup chocolate chips for topping
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined.
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Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
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Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
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Sprinkle the additional chocolate chips on top.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
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Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing into squares.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 225 kcal | Servings: 12 bars
Introduction to Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are the ultimate dessert for banana bread lovers and chocolate chip cookie fans alike. They combine the soft, moist texture of classic banana bread with the indulgent sweetness of semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating a comforting and satisfying bar that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, meal prepping for the week, or just trying to use up overripe bananas, this treat is an excellent go-to option.
This recipe shines because of its simplicity and versatility. It uses basic pantry ingredients and doesn’t require any fancy kitchen tools, making it accessible to beginner and experienced bakers alike. The ease of preparation also makes it an ideal recipe to bake with kids or as a quick fix when you’re craving something warm and homemade.
Why You’ll Love These Banana Bars
One of the standout qualities of Chocolate Chip Banana Bars is their rich, chewy texture. They’re not quite brownies, not quite cake, but a delightful in-between that’s soft, tender, and full of flavor. The mashed bananas provide moisture and natural sweetness, while the melted butter and brown sugar add a deep, caramel-like note. Then there’s the chocolate—melty, gooey pockets throughout, with extra chips on top for that picture-perfect finish.
Beyond their flavor, these bars are super adaptable. You can make them dairy-free by using plant-based butter and vegan chocolate chips, or gluten-free with a 1:1 flour substitute. Want to add a crunch? Toss in some walnuts or pecans. Prefer a touch of spice? A pinch of nutmeg or cloves can add depth.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are an all-season favorite. In the cooler months, they’re cozy and comforting—think warm from the oven with a cup of tea or coffee. In warmer weather, they’re an easy make-ahead dessert for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. Their portability also makes them great for lunchboxes or road trips.
They also shine as a “use-it-up” recipe. Got bananas browning on the counter? These bars are a delicious way to prevent food waste. Don’t feel like babysitting a loaf in the oven? Bars are faster and more forgiving. They don’t dry out easily, store well at room temperature, and freeze beautifully.
The Science Behind Their Soft Texture
The tender crumb of these bars comes from a few simple but important baking principles. First, ripe bananas are a key moisture provider. When mashed, bananas release natural sugars and water, which help make the batter smooth and moist. The melted butter ensures a rich, soft consistency and creates that signature melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Brown sugar plays a dual role here. Its molasses content gives the bars a subtle caramel flavor and helps retain moisture, which is why they stay soft for days. The egg acts as a binder and contributes to the structure, while the flour and baking soda balance out the wet ingredients to give the bars lift and lightness. A dash of cinnamon ties everything together, adding warmth without overpowering the banana flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These banana bars are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy them warm or chilled, plain or dressed up. For a dessert spin, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. For brunch, they pair wonderfully with a hot latte or cold brew.
You can also cut them into smaller squares and serve as part of a dessert platter alongside brownies, cookies, and fruit for a simple yet elegant party tray. They’re just sweet enough to satisfy a sugar craving without being overly rich, which makes them a hit with both kids and adults.
Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Options
One of the best things about Chocolate Chip Banana Bars is how well they store. Once fully cooled, they can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week—just allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
They also freeze well. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, just let it thaw at room temperature, or pop it in the microwave for 20 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
A Recipe That Grows With You
What makes this recipe truly special is how easily it evolves. As your taste changes or as seasons shift, you can customize the bars to suit your mood or pantry. Swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or even a swirl of Nutella. Mix in coconut flakes or chopped dried fruit for added texture and sweetness.
Kids love these bars because they’re simple and delicious. Adults appreciate the nostalgia of banana bread paired with the indulgence of chocolate. And bakers of all skill levels enjoy how forgiving and adaptable the base recipe is.
Nutritional Value and Considerations
Each bar strikes a balance between indulgence and nutrition. While it’s definitely a treat, it’s not over-the-top in sugar or fat compared to many traditional baked goods. Thanks to the bananas, you’re getting a good dose of potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6. You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less-sweet version, or experiment with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or coconut sugar.
For those with dietary needs, the recipe can easily accommodate substitutions. Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for a lactose-free version, or try oat flour for a gluten-sensitive household. Because the recipe relies heavily on the banana for structure and moisture, it’s surprisingly flexible and forgiving when making changes.
The Emotional Comfort of Home Baking
There’s something deeply nostalgic about banana-based desserts. They remind us of childhood kitchens, weekend breakfasts, and the comforting smell of something sweet baking in the oven. Chocolate Chip Banana Bars tap into that emotion, delivering a modern take on a timeless flavor pairing.
In a fast-paced world, baking something from scratch—even something as simple as these bars—offers a small, meditative escape. The process is calming, the aroma is grounding, and the result is deliciously rewarding.
Conclusion: A Must-Try for Every Home Baker
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are the kind of recipe every home baker should keep in their back pocket. They’re easy, comforting, and endlessly customizable. From the very first bite, you’ll understand why these bars are so beloved—moist banana flavor, rich chocolatey goodness, and the kind of soft-baked texture that makes them feel like a hug in dessert form.
Whether you’re baking with kids, entertaining guests, or just want something sweet to enjoy after dinner, these bars hit the mark every time. And once you’ve made them once, you’ll be looking for excuses to make them again.