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 being a wholesome option for the family. With just a few ripe bananas and some simple ingredients, you can whip up these delightful bars in just 30 minutes. Plus, they make for great Filling Snacks On The Go or Homemade Lunch Box Snacks for the kids!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Made with wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about.
- Moist and flavorful, thanks to ripe bananas and chocolate chips.
- Great for Weekly Snack Prep For Kids or as a sweet treat for yourself.
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed as breakfast or a dessert!
Ingredients
To make these scrumptious 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 delightful 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 mashed bananas. 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.
- Using a 1/4 cup scoop, scoop 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 banana bread 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 fruits for extra texture and flavor!
- These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months, making them a great option for School Safe Snacks.
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.
- Serve them as a sweet treat after dinner, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pack them in your kids’ lunchboxes for a delightful surprise!
- They also make for great Breakfast Snacks For Kids on busy mornings.
Make Ahead and Storage
These bars are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store them:
- Store the 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 them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
So there you have it! A quick and easy recipe for Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for 30-minute meals or just a sweet treat to brighten your day, these bars are the perfect solution. Don’t forget to check out my other delicious recipes like Best Ever Beef Chili and Classic Slow Cooker Chili for more inspiration. 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.
- Stir in dry ingredients: flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 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.