Banana Chocolate Squares
Fudgy banana chocolate squares combine ripe banana, rich chocolate chips, and a tender crumb, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and serving as a delightful snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl of electric mixer at high speed, beat together shortening, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Add mashed bananas and mix well.
- Reduce speed to low, then beat in flour and baking powder.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter in a greased jellyroll pan.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until browned.
- Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using half butter and half shortening in the batter. You can also substitute the chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruit if desired. Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness. If you have leftover mashed bananas, they can be frozen and used in future baking. This recipe is perfect for serving at gatherings; try pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Serving Suggestions
These Banana Chocolate Squares are perfect for a snack or dessert. Serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. They also pair well with fresh fruit or a cup of coffee for a delightful treat. For a fun twist, cut them into small pieces and serve as Party Fingers at your next gathering, making them a hit with guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Banana Chocolate Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy them cold. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Chocolate Squares contains roughly 327 calories, with 5g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1041mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. However, keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, making it denser. If you prefer a lighter square, stick to all-purpose flour.
What can I substitute for shortening?
You can replace shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor. If you want a healthier option, try using applesauce instead, but this will change the texture and moisture content of the squares.
Can I make these squares vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit until it thickens). Use plant-based shortening or coconut oil and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
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).