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Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

Banana Chocolate Chip Bars are moist, tender, and packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and gooey chocolate chips. This easy-to-make baked treat is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, offering a soft, chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor that everyone will adore.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1 cup chocolate chips (dark, semi-sweet, or mixed)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl until smooth to create a moist base.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the rising agents in the batter.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adding moisture, sweetness, and warmth.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
  5. Add the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the batter for a generous chocolatey flavor in every bite.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the bars to cool before slicing.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moistness.
  • Stir ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
  • Optionally chill the batter briefly for enhanced moisture and flavor melding.
  • Test doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
  • Freeze chocolate chips before adding to prevent sinking during baking.

Nutrition

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