Are you ready to indulge in a sweet treat that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make? I’m talking about my Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars! These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while using up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Plus, they’re a fantastic option for Filling Snacks On The Go or Baked School Snacks for the kids!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes!
- Made with wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about.
- Perfectly moist and packed with chocolatey goodness.
- Great for meal prep or as Homemade Lunch Box Snacks.
- Versatile enough to enjoy any time of day!
Ingredients
To make these delightful bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 medium sized bananas, the riper the better
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil (use refined if you don’t want it to taste like coconut)
- 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 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s get started on these scrumptious bars!
- Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees F. If you’re using granola bar molds (I used these ones), place them on a large baking sheet. There’s no need to grease the silicone molds, but you may need to grease if using aluminum.
- Add the bananas to a large bowl and mash them well. Remember, banana bread is best when the bananas are super ripe!
- Next, add the melted coconut oil, eggs, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, almond milk, and maple syrup to the bowl. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Now, add the remaining dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix again until everything is well combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips into the batter.
- Use a 1/4 cup scoop to portion the batter into the granola bar mold. The batter should settle on its own into the mold.
- Bake the banana bread bars until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out clean, and the bars will feel firm once done.
- Let the bars cool in the mold for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your banana bread bars turn out perfectly:
- Use the ripest bananas you can find for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- If you prefer a less coconut flavor, opt for refined coconut oil.
- Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor!
- These bars freeze beautifully, so make a double batch and save some for later!
How to Serve
These Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars are incredibly versatile! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Enjoy them warm with a pat of butter for a cozy breakfast.
- Pack them as Kids Snacks From Scratch for school lunches.
- Serve them with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a lovely afternoon snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
These bars are perfect for Weekly Snack Prep For Kids! Here’s how to store them:
- Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
Now that you have this easy recipe in your arsenal, you can whip up these delicious bars anytime you need a quick treat! And if you’re looking for more 30-minute meals or weeknight dinner ideas, check out my Beef Cheeseburger Rollups or Ground Beef Stroganoff. Happy baking!
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mash bananas, then mix with coconut oil, eggs, vanilla, coconut sugar, almond milk, and maple syrup until combined.
- Add dry ingredients (flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt) and mix well. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Scoop batter into prepared mold and bake for 25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in mold for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.