Banana Chocolate Chip Bars
Chewy banana chocolate chip bars with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and a great treat for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter ⓘ
- 3/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 cup mashed bananas ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup wheat germ ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped nuts
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
Instructions
- Beat butter, brown sugar, and nutmeg together until creamy. Beat in mashed bananas and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, stir together flour, wheat germ, baking soda, and salt; add to creamed mixture, beating well.
- By hand, stir in chocolate chips and half of the chopped nuts.
- Spread the mixture in a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining nuts over the top.
- Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over the nuts.
- Bake at 350°F for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using salted butter instead of unsalted. If you don't have wheat germ, you can substitute it with additional flour or ground oats. Adding a pinch of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavor. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture. Mixing in some shredded coconut or dried fruit can add variety to the texture.
Serving Suggestions
These banana chocolate chip bars are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve them as a sweet treat for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside Easy Supper Casserole for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until just warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Chocolate Chip Bars contains roughly 100 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 6g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well for this recipe! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas are often sweeter and can enhance the overall flavor of the bars.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the baking soda is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still turn out delicious.
What can I add to make these bars more nutritious?
You can add in ingredients like chia seeds or flaxseeds for added fiber and omega-3s. Incorporating nuts or seeds can also boost the protein content. For a healthier twist, consider swapping some of the butter for unsweetened applesauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).