If you have a soft spot for treats that balance wholesome goodness with a touch of indulgence, you are going to adore this Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe. These bars combine the natural sweetness and creaminess of ripe bananas with the nutty richness of peanut butter, and then add gooey pockets of melty chocolate chips throughout. The chewy texture comes from rolled oats, while a hint of cinnamon and vanilla brings everything to life in the most comforting way. Each bite feels like a warm hug that’s perfect for snack time, breakfast on the go, or a cozy treat any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, easy-to-find ingredients is half the joy of making this recipe—and each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma. From the naturally sweet bananas to the aromatic cinnamon, every ingredient works together brilliantly to make your bars irresistibly good.
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed: They provide natural sweetness and moisture, making a soft base without added sugar.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter: Adds richness, a creamy texture, and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the bananas beautifully.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: A natural sweetener that deepens the flavor and keeps the bars perfectly moist.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors and gives a comforting aromatic touch.
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats: Offers chewy texture and wholesome fiber, making these bars more filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly and keeps the crumb tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warm spice notes that lift the flavors in every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips: These little pockets of melty magic make the bars irresistibly indulgent.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan well to ensure your bars come out cleanly without sticking. This simple prep step sets you up for an easy bake and clean slice later.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Then add in the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir these together until you get a creamy, well-blended mix. This is where the flavors start to harmonize and create the base of your bars.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Next, add the rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Fold these together gently until everything is just combined—this helps keep the texture just right without overworking the batter.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips last, distributing them evenly throughout the batter so every bar has that perfect little burst of chocolate.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your greased pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is a lovely golden brown and the center feels set when gently pressed.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This resting time helps them firm up and makes slicing into neat squares a breeze.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle a few additional chocolate chips on top right after baking or dust lightly with powdered sugar if you’re serving for a special occasion. A drizzle of peanut butter or a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds a fun, crunchy surprise.
Side Dishes
These bars shine beautifully on their own but pairing them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a small bowl of fresh berries elevates the snack into a heartier breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. A warm cup of coffee or tea completes the experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and stack them in a pretty glass jar for an inviting snack display. You could also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them to maintain their texture and prevent melting.
Freezing
If you want to save some bars for later, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Warm your bars gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds to bring back that just-baked softness and melt the chocolate chips slightly. You can also pop them in a toaster oven for a minute if you prefer a bit of a warm, crisp edge.
FAQs
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter works wonderfully in this recipe for a different nutty flavor. Just make sure it’s smooth to keep the batter consistent.
Are these bars gluten-free?
They can be, if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Regular oats sometimes contain gluten due to cross-contamination, so check your packaging if you’re strict about gluten.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Choose bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots—they’re softer and sweeter, which gives your bars the best flavor and moisture.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Yes, adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries can add texture and flavor variations. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips before baking.
What’s the best way to cut the bars?
Wait until the bars are completely cooled to avoid them crumbling. Using a sharp knife, slice slowly in a straight motion to get clean, even bars.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about this Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe that makes it an instant favorite to keep in your baking rotation. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and wonderfully versatile, these bars are pure joy in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and see how quickly they disappear—you might find everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and wholesome Chocolate Chip Banana Bars made with ripe bananas, peanut butter, and rolled oats. Perfectly sweetened with maple syrup and studded with chocolate chips, these bars are a healthy snack or breakfast option that comes together easily and bakes to a soft, chewy texture.
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 prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly and blend in the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir the rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into the banana mixture until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter to distribute them evenly throughout.
- Prepare to Bake: Pour the batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bars turn golden brown and are set in the center when tested with a toothpick.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 bars for serving.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Peanut butter can be substituted with almond butter or other nut butters if preferred.
- For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter and ensure oats are gluten-free if needed.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars also freeze well for longer storage—wrap individually or in portions.
