Indulge your taste buds with the ultimate treat: Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread Bars! Perfectly moist, irresistibly chocolatey, and bursting with banana flavor, these bars are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast option, an afternoon snack, or a sweet dessert to impress your friends, these bars are sure to satisfy. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a mere 40 minutes from prep to plate, you won't want to miss out on this easy-to-make recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until smooth and no large chunks remain.
- Pour the melted butter into the mashed bananas and mix well until completely combined.
- Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Whisk vigorously until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture becomes smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
- Fold in most of the chocolate chunks, reserving a few for topping. Save some chocolate chunks to sprinkle on top of the batter for a more appealing presentation.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chunks on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 12 even bars. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each slice.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Tips
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars, so be gentle!
- Add Nuts for Extra Crunch: If you love a bit of texture, consider folding in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, along with the chocolate chunks.
- Customize with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract for a unique twist.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bars at the 25-minute mark. They’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices and to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Storage Tips: Keep your bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
