Name: Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups mashed very ripe, darkly-speckled bananas (about 3 to 4 bananas); 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup mini chocolate chips, divided (3/4 cup mixed into batter, 1/4 cup for topping); Cooking spray for greasing the pan

If you’re looking for a cozy, sweet treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, then this Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture soft, moist bars infused with ripe bananas and bursting with mini chocolate chips, creating a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and rich chocolate goodness. Whether you need a quick snack, a satisfying breakfast, or a dessert to impress, these bars are quick to whip up and impossible not to love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two clear glass bowls sit on a white marbled surface. The bowl on the left holds dry ingredients with a top layer of white flour dusted with a small pile of brown and orange spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in the center, giving a powdery and textured look. The bowl on the right contains wet ingredients, a smooth and creamy yellowish mixture with small bubbles and a few tiny lumps spread evenly across the surface. Above it and slightly to the right lies a metal whisk with a shiny handle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and each one plays a crucial role to give your Chocolate Chip Banana Bars their irresistible texture, flavor, and aroma. From the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to the gentle warmth of cinnamon, every element adds a little something special.

Cooking spray: Ensures your bars release easily from the pan without sticking.
1 1/2 cups mashed very ripe, darkly-speckled bananas: The heart of this recipe, providing moisture and natural sweetness.
2 large eggs: Helps bind everything together while adding richness.
1/3 cup whole milk: Adds a touch of creaminess, keeping the bars tender.
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Brings a subtle fruitiness and promotes a moist texture without heaviness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a warm, familiar aroma.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure, making these bars sturdy but soft.
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds depth with molasses notes and sweetness.
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the bars a gentle lift, keeping them airy.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses a cozy spice that complements the bananas perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
1 cup mini chocolate chips, divided: Delivers pockets of melty chocolate delight throughout the bars.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s perfectly warm when you’re ready to bake. Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and give it a quick spray with cooking spray—this simple prep step ensures your bars won’t stick and they’ll come out looking flawless.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, whole milk, olive oil, and vanilla extract. The bananas’ deep sweetness combined with the vanilla sets the flavor foundation. Make sure your bananas are very ripe and darkly speckled, since that’s when they’re at their sweetest and most flavorful.

Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This dry blend introduces the perfect balance of structure, sweetness, and spice. The cinnamon adds a cozy warmth that pairs beautifully with the bananas.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet banana mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can make the bars tough, so keep it tender and light. Fold in 3/4 cup of mini chocolate chips to embed those delicious pockets of melty chocolate throughout.

Step 5: Pour Batter and Top with Chocolate

Transfer the batter evenly into your prepped baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips on top, giving the bars a beautiful chocolatey finish that will visibly melt into little golden pools once baked.

Step 6: Bake Until Just Right

Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bars should have a slight golden edge and a tender crumb. Remove them from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan—this helps them set perfectly before slicing.

Step 7: Kelly’s Note for Perfect Bananas

You’ll need between 3 and 4 bananas to measure 1 1/2 cups of mashed bananas. Choosing them very ripe and spotty makes all the difference in flavor intensity and moisture.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

A clear glass bowl contains a light brown batter with a smooth but slightly thick texture filling most of the bowl. On top of the batter is a large pile of small, dark brown chocolate chips mostly in the center. A teal silicone spatula with some batter on its edge is partially in the bowl, resting just beside the chocolate chips. The bowl is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Although these bars are delicious on their own, consider sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzling some melted chocolate over the bars to add a touch of elegance. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn them into a decadent dessert.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chocolate Chip Banana Bars with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte for a perfect morning or afternoon indulgence. For a fresh contrast, crisp apple slices or a small bowl of mixed berries complement the sweetness of the bars wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into neat squares and place them on a colorful serving platter to brighten up your table. For parties, try stacking items as mini dessert sandwiches with a bit of cream cheese frosting in between. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying them with twine makes an adorable gift or grab-and-go snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store the Chocolate Chip Banana Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For extended freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week. Keeping the bars sealed well helps retain their moist texture and flavors.

Freezing

Want to make these bars ahead for busy days? Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or for a couple hours at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy the bars warm, pop them in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or heat gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes. Warm bars enhance the chocolate’s melty delight and bring out the banana aroma, making each bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! Regular-sized chocolate chips will work just fine, but mini chips distribute more evenly throughout the bars, ensuring melts of chocolate in every bite. If you prefer larger pockets of chocolate, feel free to use standard chips.

Can I substitute olive oil with butter?

Yes, you can swap the olive oil for melted butter for a richer flavor. Keep in mind butter adds a different texture and taste, making the bars slightly denser and lending a classic buttery note.

How ripe should my bananas be for this recipe?

You want your bananas to be very ripe and darkly speckled, almost to the point of being spotty or brown. This is when their natural sugars are at their peak, creating the sweetest and most flavorful bars.

Are these bars gluten-free?

The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, keeping in mind the texture might slightly differ depending on the blend you choose.

Can I make these bars vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and choose a plant-based milk. Use a vegan-friendly chocolate chip brand, and replace olive oil with a neutral vegetable oil as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe is a beautiful reminder that simple ingredients, combined thoughtfully, can create something truly special. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these bars will quickly become a cherished treat. I can’t wait for you to try them and make your kitchen smell like pure comfort and joy!