Name: Banana Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 3 medium bananas); 1/3 cup coconut sugar; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled to room temperature); 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 15 reviews

There is something truly special about these Banana Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe that instantly brightens any afternoon or snack time. Combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich, melty pockets of chocolate chips creates a harmony of flavors and textures that’s impossible to resist. This recipe turns humble pantry staples into a moist, tender bar that feels both comforting and a little indulgent, perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with mashed banana mix that is light brown with some small chunks and bubbles, giving it a slightly textured look. A light wooden spatula rests inside the bowl, partially covered by the banana mixture. The glass bowl is round and transparent, showing the thick, wet banana mash inside. The background and surface are smooth white marble, adding a clean and simple feel to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients in this Banana Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe are wonderfully straightforward yet each plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect bite. From the ripe bananas that bring moisture and sweetness, to the warming spices that add depth, every item contributes a unique flavor or texture.

Mashed ripe bananas: About 1 cup or roughly 3 medium bananas, these provide natural sweetness and a moist base for the bars.
Coconut sugar: A natural sweetener that adds a subtle caramel note and enhances the golden color.
Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled, it lends richness and tenderness to the bars.
Unsweetened almond milk: About 2 tablespoons to keep the batter moist without overpowering the flavors.
Large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the bars together.
Pure vanilla extract: A teaspoon that enhances all the natural flavors.
White whole wheat flour: Adds structure and a mild nuttiness, keeping the bars hearty yet light.
Baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for a tender crumb.
Ground cinnamon: Half a teaspoon for a warm, inviting spice note.
Ground nutmeg: A pinch to complement the cinnamon and deepen the flavor profile.
Kosher salt: A quarter teaspoon to balance sweetness and enhance flavor.
Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips: About 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons total, divided to mix into the batter and sprinkle on top for melty chocolate pockets throughout.

How to Make Banana Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by placing a rack in the middle of your oven and preheating it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave overhangs on two opposite sides to work as handles later. Lightly spray the parchment with nonstick spray and set the pan aside. This simple step guarantees easy removal of your bars after baking, helping them stay intact and beautiful.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas and Combine Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. It’s important to measure out exactly 1 cup because too little banana will dry out the bars, and too much might prevent proper baking. To the bananas, add the coconut sugar, melted and cooled butter, almond milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the mixture is well blended and smooth, forming the luscious wet base of your banana bars.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and kosher salt. These dry ingredients add structure, rise, and those warm spice notes that perfectly complement the bananas and chocolate. Having this mixture ready ensures you can effortlessly combine wet and dry elements.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture and gently stir using a wooden spoon or spatula. It’s important to stop mixing as soon as you no longer see any flour to avoid overworking the batter, maintaining a tender crumb. Then fold in one-third cup of the chocolate chips, scattering delicious melted chocolate pockets throughout your bars.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Transfer the batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth the surface evenly. Sprinkle the remaining two tablespoons of chocolate chips on top to add enticing chocolatey bursts right on the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean but with a few moist crumbs attached. This careful timing ensures the bars are moist and tender rather than dry.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Once out of the oven, place your baking pan on a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely. When cooled, use the parchment paper handles to gently lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into squares of your preferred size. Now the moment of joy — taste your perfectly moist, chocolate-studded banana bars!

How to Serve Banana Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with a wet, mashed banana mixture that has a chunky texture with visible banana pieces. A light wooden spatula rests inside the bowl, partially covered with the mixture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. The image has a bright, natural light highlight and looks like a cooking prep step photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can elevate the visual appeal and indulgence factor of your banana bars. Toasted nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top right after baking add a delightful crunch and extra nutty flavor that complements the soft, moist bars perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a heavenly dessert experience. If enjoying as a snack or breakfast, serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea that balances the sweetness and offers a cozy complement.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Banana Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe into fun treats by cutting them into bite-sized squares and stacking on a pretty plate for a party or picnic. You might also sandwich a spread of peanut butter or Nutella between two smaller bars for a delicious layered snack that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your banana bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay moist and flavorful for up to three days, making them perfect for quick grab-and-go snacks during a busy week.

Freezing

If you want to keep your bars longer, freeze them by wrapping individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to two months without losing their tender texture or chocolate goodness.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy frozen bars, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds. This softens the bars and brings the chocolate chips back to their melty glory, making them taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use regular white flour instead of white whole wheat flour?

Absolutely! Regular white flour can be used if you prefer a lighter texture, but the white whole wheat adds a lovely nuttiness and increases nutritional value while maintaining softness.

What can I substitute for coconut sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar or pure maple syrup in an equal amount. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners like maple syrup may slightly change the moisture level, so reduce the almond milk a bit if needed.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Not as written, because white whole wheat flour contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free baking flour blend designed for 1:1 substitution.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this recipe?

Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries would add great texture and flavor. Just fold in about half a cup along with the chocolate chips.

How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

The riper, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even fully brown skin for maximum sweetness and moisture, which are key to moist banana bars.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, you’ve found it in this Banana Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and turns into a moist, chocolate-studded delight that you’ll want to keep making again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how little effort it takes for a truly scrumptious result.