When you have overripe bananas lying around, there’s no better way to use them up than in these irresistible Banana Chocolate Chip Bars. These delightful treats are soft, chewy, and packed with the rich flavors of banana and chocolate. Perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack any time of day, these bars will impress friends and family alike. Their simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make them an ideal choice for both novice bakers and experienced ones looking for a quick fix.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious bars ready to enjoy.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet bananas and rich chocolate creates a mouthwatering treat.
- Versatile Snack: Great for breakfast, lunch boxes, or evening desserts—these bars fit any occasion.
- Perfect for Leftovers: A fantastic way to use overripe bananas that are often overlooked in your fruit bowl.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties or gatherings; everyone loves a good chocolate banana treat!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gathering the right tools can streamline your efforts. Having everything ready will make your experience more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8×8 baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or whisk)
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- 8×8 baking pan: Provides the perfect size for thick, chewy bars that bake evenly.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a fluffy texture.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, making it easy to remove bars from the pan without damage.
Ingredients
When you have overripe bananas lying around, there’s no better way to use them up than in these irresistible banana chocolate chip blondies.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
– 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
– 1 large egg (room temperature)
– 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup mashed overripe bananas (about 2 large)
– 3/4 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper and grease it with nonstick spray. This ensures easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes using an electric mixer.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. This adds richness to your bars.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour
Gently mix in the all-purpose flour just until it’s incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your bars tender.
Step 5: Fold in Bananas and Chocolate Chips
Fold in the mashed bananas gently. Then fold in three-quarters of the chocolate chips. The remaining chips will be used for topping later.
Step 6: Pour Into Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Top with the remaining chocolate chips for an extra treat.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 33-37 minutes. Look for golden edges, indicating they are done while ensuring the center is set.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow your bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into 16 squares. Enjoy these delightful Banana Chocolate Chip Bars with friends or family!
How to Serve Banana Chocolate Chip Bars
Banana chocolate chip bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, these bars can accommodate different tastes and occasions.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the rich flavors of the bars.
- Chocolate Ice Cream: For chocolate lovers, this combination creates a deliciously decadent dessert.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
As Breakfast Bars
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with sliced bananas or berries for a nutritious start to your day.
- Yogurt: Pair with yogurt for added protein and creaminess, making it a balanced breakfast option.
With Coffee or Tea
- Brewed Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee enhance the sweetness of the bars.
- Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
At Parties
- Dessert Platter: Arrange the bars on a platter with other desserts for variety.
- Mini Bars: Cut into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats that guests can easily enjoy.
How to Perfect Banana Chocolate Chip Bars
To achieve the best banana chocolate chip bars, consider these essential tips. They will help you create perfectly moist and flavorful blondies every time.
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until incorporated to keep your bars tender and avoid toughness.
- Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to test; it should come out clean but slightly moist for optimal texture.
- Cool Completely: Allowing them to cool fully helps them set properly for easy slicing.
- Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
Best Side Dishes for Banana Chocolate Chip Bars
Pairing your banana chocolate chip bars with side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright and refreshing, fruit salad complements the sweetness of the bars beautifully.
- Nutty Granola: A crunchy granola adds texture and pairs well with their soft chewiness.
- Cheese Platter: Pairing with mild cheeses offers a savory contrast to the sweet flavors.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These add an indulgent touch that matches well with chocolate chips in the bars.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel enhances richness, making each bite even more decadent.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: A dairy-free option that adds an exotic flair and complements the banana flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Banana Chocolate Chip Bars, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to watch out for:
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to tough bars. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
- Not using ripe bananas: Using underripe bananas won’t provide the sweetness and moisture needed. Choose overripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Skipping the cooling step: Cutting into warm bars can lead to a messy result. Allow them to cool completely for perfect squares.
- Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your bars and check for doneness as baking times may vary.
- Using too much flour: Measuring flour incorrectly can make your bars dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Banana Chocolate Chip Bars
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Banana Chocolate Chip Bars
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Warm a single bar on high for 15-20 seconds until soft.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Banana Chocolate Chip Bars?
Banana Chocolate Chip Bars are delicious blondies made with ripe bananas and chocolate chips, offering a sweet treat that’s easy to make.
Can I substitute ingredients in Banana Chocolate Chip Bars?
Yes! You can use coconut oil instead of butter, or swap chocolate chips for nuts or dried fruits for added flavor.
How do I know when my Banana Chocolate Chip Bars are done?
Look for golden edges and a set center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Are Banana Chocolate Chip Bars healthy?
While they contain sugar and butter, using ripe bananas adds natural sweetness and some nutrients, making them a healthier dessert option compared to traditional brownies.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
Final Thoughts
Banana Chocolate Chip Bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert! Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or swapping chocolate chips with your favorite mix-ins. Give this recipe a try today!
Banana Chocolate Chip Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Banana Chocolate Chip Bars, a perfect solution for those overripe bananas sitting in your kitchen. These bars are soft, chewy, and packed with the luscious flavors of ripe bananas and rich chocolate. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, they are bound to impress your family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, these bars are perfect for both novice bakers and experienced cooks looking for a quick treat. Bake a batch today and enjoy the irresistible combination of banana and chocolate that will leave everyone craving more!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mashed overripe bananas (about 2 large)
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour until just incorporated.
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas along with three-quarters of the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Top with remaining chocolate chips.
- Bake for 33-37 minutes or until golden at the edges and set in the center.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
