Banana Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
When it comes to treats that beautifully blend the flavors of ripe bananas and rich chocolate, these Banana Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars stand out as a delightful option. They strike the perfect balance between chewy and soft, offering a comforting sweetness that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a snack to satisfy your sweet tooth or a dessert to share with friends, these bars are sure to impress. With wholesome ingredients and an easy preparation method, you’ll find yourself making these again and again.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
These Banana Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are not just delicious; they are also incredibly versatile and easy to make. The use of peanut or almond butter gives them a nutty flavor and a satisfying texture, while ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture. Plus, they come together in just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze! The addition of chocolate chips elevates them into a true indulgence, and they can be adapted based on your dietary preferences. Whether you prefer them gluten-free or vegan, this recipe has you covered.
What You’ll Gather
- 1/2 cup mashed banana – Ripe bananas work best for maximum sweetness.
- 1/2 cup milk of choice – Choose your favorite non-dairy or dairy option.
- 2 cups peanut or almond butter – Feel free to use any allergy-friendly substitute.
- 3/4 cup flour – Options include oat, white, spelt, sorghum, or almond flour.
- 1 tbsp baking soda – This will help your bars rise perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp salt – Just a pinch to enhance the flavors.
- 3/4 cup sugar – Opt for unrefined sugar or xylitol for a sugar-free version.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips – Plus more for topping, if desired.
Prep & Cook Tools
- Mixing bowl – For combining all your ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are key to success.
- Spatula – To fold in the chocolate chips and smooth the batter.
- Baking dish – A 9×9 inch pan works perfectly for this recipe.
- Oven – Preheat to ensure even baking.
- Cooling rack – To cool the bars before slicing.
Mastering Banana Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: How-To
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars once baked.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana and milk of your choice. Use a fork to mix them until smooth. Then add the peanut or almond butter, stirring until well incorporated.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Next, add the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick and creamy.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you want extra chocolatey bars, feel free to add more chips on top.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Holiday-Friendly Variations
- Nut-Free: Substitute the nut butter for sunflower seed butter to accommodate allergies.
- Vegan: Use a plant-based milk and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- Gluten-Free: Replace regular flour with almond or oat flour for a gluten-free version.
- Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy flavor twist.
Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them
To ensure your Banana Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars turn out perfectly, keep the following tips in mind:
- Overmixing: Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients to prevent tough bars.
- Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for optimal sweetness and moisture.
- Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated properly to achieve even baking.
- Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent them from falling apart.
Storage Pro Tips
To keep your Banana Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Troubleshooting Q&A
Why are my bars too dry?
Your bars may be too dry if they were overbaked. Keep an eye on them in the oven and do the toothpick test to ensure they come out clean but not dry.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! You can swap out the flour for alternatives like oat, spelt, or almond flour. Just keep in mind that each flour may yield slightly different results.
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
If you want to avoid chocolate, you can replace the chocolate chips with chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of nut butter for added flavor.
How can I make these lower in sugar?
You can use xylitol or another sugar substitute in place of regular sugar. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference and the sweetness of the bananas.
Bring It to the Table
These Banana Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying yourself with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Their delightful combination of flavors and textures make them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Serve them warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or pack them as a wholesome snack for an afternoon pick-me-up.
In conclusion, this recipe is not only simple but also adaptable to fit various dietary needs, making it a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of Banana Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars that are sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Banana Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat and Prepare - Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars once baked.
- Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana and milk of your choice. Use a fork to mix them until smooth. Then add the peanut or almond butter, stirring until well incorporated.
- Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients - Next, add the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick and creamy.
- Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips - Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you want extra chocolatey bars, feel free to add more chips on top.
- Step 5: Bake - Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: Cool and Slice - Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars freeze well; wrap individually and store for up to 3 months.
