Name: Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium sized ripe bananas; 1/2 cup melted coconut oil (refined if you prefer no coconut flavor); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup coconut sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

If you have a soft spot for the nostalgic comfort of banana bread but crave a more portable, shareable treat, this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars Recipe is about to become your new kitchen obsession. Imagine moist, tender bars bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, enriched with warm cinnamon and dotted with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips that create delicious little surprises in every bite. These bars balance wholesome ingredients with indulgent flavor, making them perfect for breakfast on-the-go, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a crowd-pleasing snack at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In the image, there is a clear glass bowl sitting on a white marbled surface. Inside the bowl, three whole peeled bananas rest close together. The bananas are smooth and pale yellow with visible ridges. The bowl has a simple round shape with transparent sides. The lighting softly highlights the texture of the bananas and the clear glass, creating subtle shadows within the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and perfect texture. Each choice, from the ripest bananas to the subtle hint of cinnamon, plays a crucial role in crafting these bars’ moist crumb and delightful sweetness.

4 medium sized bananas, the riper the better: Their natural sweetness and moisture are the foundation of this recipe, ensuring the bars stay tender.
1/2 cup melted coconut oil: Use refined if you prefer a neutral taste; it lends a subtle richness and keeps the bars moist.
2 large eggs: These bind the ingredients together and add structure without heaviness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
1/2 cup coconut sugar: Offers a mellow, caramel-like sweetness and a lovely color.
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk: Adds moisture and a delicate nutty hint without overpowering the bananas.
1/4 cup pure maple syrup: Brings a natural depth of sweetness and complexity.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure that holds everything together perfectly.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm spice note that complements the banana and chocolate beautifully.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise and stay fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for lift and tender crumb.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into pockets of gooey richness for that irresistible chocolate element.

TIP

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

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Get your granola bar molds ready on a baking sheet; silicone molds do not require any greasing, but if you’re using aluminum, a light grease is helpful. Mash the bananas thoroughly in a large bowl until almost smooth—this step is key to the moist, tender texture everyone loves in banana bread bars.

Step 2: Mixing the Wet Ingredients

Next, add melted coconut oil, eggs, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, almond milk, and maple syrup to the mashed bananas. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth, setting the stage for a perfectly balanced, flavorful batter.

Step 3: Incorporating Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to ensure every bar will have gooey, chocolatey pockets.

Step 4: Baking Your Banana Bread Bars

Scoop approximately 1/4 cup of batter into each section of your molds. The batter will settle nicely on its own, so smooth spreading is not necessary. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the bars comes out clean and the bars feel firm to the touch.

Step 5: Cooling and Removing from Molds

Allow the bars to cool in the molds for at least 10 minutes to set. Then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps preserve their perfect texture and makes them easier to handle.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars Recipe

The image shows a side-by-side comparison of two purple silicone molds with rectangular cavities, each containing a layer of batter and then baked bars. The left side has a raw, light brown batter with visible chunks spread evenly in each cavity, showing a soft, smooth texture with a few air bubbles. The right side shows the same molds but with baked bars that are golden brown with darker spots from the chunks, having a firm and slightly cracked surface. Both molds are placed on a white marbled surface visible around the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these bars are delicious on their own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can take them to the next level visually and flavor-wise. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before serving.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a well-rounded treat. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea complements the warm cinnamon and banana notes wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the bars into smaller squares and layer them with whipped cream and fresh berries to create a playful dessert parfait. These bars also make a thoughtful packaged gift when wrapped individually with a cute ribbon—perfect for sharing your favorite Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars Recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain their moist texture without drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months, making it easy to enjoy your favorite bars anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave a bar for about 15-20 seconds or warm it in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes. This restores their fresh-baked warmth and gooey chocolate charm.

FAQs

Can I substitute the coconut oil with another fat?

Absolutely! You can use melted butter or a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil instead. Keep in mind that butter adds a richer flavor, while coconut oil gives a slight tropical note.

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, but be aware the texture may vary slightly.

How ripe should my bananas be?

The riper, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even mostly brown skins; they provide the strongest banana flavor and natural sweetness for the bars.

Can I use mini chocolate chips instead of regular ones?

Yes, mini chips are a great alternative and distribute more evenly throughout the batter, giving you a consistent chocolate experience in every bite.

What’s the best way to avoid the bars sticking to the molds?

Silicone molds typically release easily without greasing. If using metal molds, lightly grease them with coconut oil or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly comforting and joyful about baking these Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars Recipe—from the smell wafting through your home to the first warm bite filled with gooey chocolate and tender banana goodness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, these bars strike a perfect balance of wholesome and indulgent that’s simply irresistible. Give them a try, and I promise they will become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need