Delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a moist and flavorful treat that combines ripe bananas with chocolate chips for a delightful dessert or snack. These bars are easy to make and are perfect for using up overripe bananas, making them a great addition to any gathering or as a sweet treat for yourself!

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Timing

Making Delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bars takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour until evenly mixed.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

1. Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
2. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).

Step 5: Bake

1. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Slice and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice into bars and serve. Enjoy as a snack or dessert!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bars (per bar, based on 12 bars):

Nutrient	Amount per Bar
Calories	180
Protein	2g
Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	10g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
• Nut Alternatives: Substitute chocolate chips with dried fruit or other types of chips (like peanut butter or white chocolate).
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

Conclusion

Delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a simple and tasty way to enjoy the flavors of banana and chocolate in a convenient bar form. They are perfect for sharing or keeping on hand for a quick snack throughout the week!