If you have a soft spot for treats that combine wholesome ingredients and a touch of indulgence, you’re going to fall in love with this Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe. Imagine tender bars packed with naturally sweet mashed bananas, creamy peanut butter, and melty bursts of chocolate chips—all baked into a golden, oat-filled delight. These bars strike the perfect balance between a nourishing snack and a satisfying sweet treat, making them an instant favorite for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in a simple, straightforward way, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect flavor, texture, and aroma of the bars you’ll soon be savoring.
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed: The natural sweetness and moistness anchor the bars, making them tender and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter: Adds creamy richness and a subtle nutty depth that pairs beautifully with banana.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: Enhances sweetness with a warm, caramel-like note, perfectly complementing the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a fragrant, cozy hint that lifts the flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats: Provides hearty texture and wholesome body, making these bars both satisfying and nutritious.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars puff up slightly for a soft yet structured crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses a subtle warmth that blends seamlessly with the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips: The ultimate indulgence—each bite gets a delightfully melty chocolate surprise.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking pan. This ensures your bars bake evenly and release cleanly from the pan later on.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined, creating a creamy and fragrant base.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, incorporate the rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently but thoroughly so all the oats are coated and the baking soda is evenly distributed for that perfect rise.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the chocolate chips into the mixture. This step is where the magic begins, promising pockets of gooey sweetness in every bar.
Step 5: Spread the Batter
Pour your batter into the greased pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Getting a smooth, flat surface helps the bars bake uniformly and look irresistible.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the center is set—you’ll notice a lightly firm texture when you gently press.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This resting time is key for the texture to firm up so you can slice beautiful bars without crumbling.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of cinnamon on the bars for an inviting finish. For a touch of elegance, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add creaminess and contrast. Fresh berries alongside the bars bring a bright, juicy burst that complements the chocolate and banana beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the bars warm with a spread of almond butter or peanut butter on top. You can also sandwich a bit of nut butter between two bars for a satisfying on-the-go snack that feels like a mini dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers just as delicious.
Freezing
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. This makes it easy to grab a quick, wholesome snack anytime you’re craving a sweet treat.
Reheating
To enjoy the bars warm, pop them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or heat briefly in a low oven. The chocolate chips will melt again, bringing back that freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter is a great alternative that will give the bars a slightly different nutty flavor but just as much creaminess.
What if I don’t have maple syrup on hand?
You can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave nectar to maintain the moist sweetness in the bars.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While quick oats can work, rolled oats provide a better chewy texture that complements the bars’ heartiness. Using quick oats may result in a softer, less structured bar.
Are these bars gluten-free?
They can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Always check your ingredient labels to be sure.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries blend perfectly with the flavors and add wonderful texture to your bars.
Final Thoughts
You’ve just discovered a truly delightful Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe that’s both wholesome and indulgent—a recipe that feels like a hug in bar form. Whether you’re making them for a quick breakfast, a snack on the go, or a loved one’s dessert, these bars are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. So don’t wait—grab those ripe bananas and whip up a batch today. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a delicious and wholesome treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Made with ripe bananas, peanut butter, maple syrup, and rolled oats, these bars provide a naturally sweet and satisfying option. The addition of chocolate chips adds a delightful touch of indulgence. Easy to prepare and bake, they offer a nutritious and flavorful way to enjoy a classic flavor combination in bar form.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan to ensure the bars do not stick during baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly, then mix in the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and form a consistent batter.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without breaking them.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bars turn golden brown and are set in the center. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 equal bars for serving.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for optimal sweetness and moisture.
- Peanut butter can be substituted with almond butter or any nut/seed butter of choice.
- Ensure the baking pan is well greased to prevent sticking or use parchment paper liners.
- The bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a vegan version, confirm the chocolate chips are dairy-free and use maple syrup as the sweetener.
