Banana Bread Bars ⋆ 100 Days of Real Food

Forget the usual banana bread loaf! These yummy Banana Bread Bars are easier to make and just as tasty. They are packed with the flavor of ripe bananas and loaded with chocolate chips. You'll love the way they are soft and chewy on the inside. Get ready to enjoy these delicious treats!

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We love serving these bars for a quick breakfast, delicious brunch, afternoon snack, or healthier dessert. Kids love it too!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up a batch of these chocolate chip banana bread bars in under an hour with minimal prep work. They are ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute hosting.
Family-Friendly: These crowd-pleasing bars are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. The sweetness of the bananas and chocolate chips makes them a tasty treat.
Customizable: Get creative and personalize your bars with endless flavor variations and add-ins.
Healthy-ish: Made with wholesome ingredients like oats and peanut butter, these bars offer a more nutritious alternative to traditional desserts.
Check out our Almond Flour Banana Bread for another delicious breakfast recipe!

Ingredients & Substitutes

These are the ingredients for these chocolate chip banana bread bars. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the entire recipe.

First, use ripe bananas. They have a better taste and texture than green bananas.

Two eggs help bind these bars together.

Sweeten this recipe with pure maple syrup or honey.

Plain Greek yogurt adds moisture and extra protein. Use a brand without added sugar.

Use all natural creamy peanut butter made from only peanuts.

Rolled oats add a delicious texture.

Oat flour acts as the substance. You can either buy oat flour or make it homemade. To make homemade oat flour, add oats to a blender and blend into a flour consistency.

Baking soda helps these bars rise.

Lastly, add in dark chocolate chips for some added flavor!

Taste & Texture

These Banana Bread Bars have the best textures. The mashed bananas create a moist and tender crumb, while the rolled oats add a satisfying chew.

Chocolate chips burst with melty sweetness in every bite.

Overall, these bars taste like oatmeal banana bread with chocolate chips!

How to Make

Step 1

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9 inch by 9 inch square pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, eggs, maple syrup, yogurt, and peanut butter. Stir together.

Step 3

Then, add in the oats, oat flour, and baking soda. Stir together.

Step 4

Mix in the dark chocolate chips.

Step 5

Spread the banana batter into the lined pan.

Step 6

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with only a few moist crumbs.

Step 7

Finally, fully cool before slicing and serving these banana bread bars.

Expert Tips for Success

Follow these tips and tricks to make the best banana bread bars.

Banana Power: For the best flavor, use ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. Ripeness translates to more sweetness and a richer banana flavor.

Mixing Matters: Avoid overmixing the batter. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, stop mixing to prevent tough bars.

Patience is Key: Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This allows them to firm up and prevents them from crumbling.

Parchment Perfection: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for effortless removal and easy clean-up.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

Here are some fun ideas for your banana bread bars.

Chocolate Cravings: Substitute the chocolate chips with chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a combination of both for a twist.

Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm and cozy flavor profile.

Nut Butter Alternatives: Feel free to use almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or any nut butter you prefer.

How to Serve & Store

Serving Ideas: Enjoy your Banana Bread Bars warm with a drizzle of honey, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of our banana ice cream.

Storing: Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months for longer storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, ensure that your oats and oat flour are certified gluten-free.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?

You can substitute it with regular yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.

Can I freeze the bars?

Absolutely! Store the bars in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.

What’s the best way to mash the bananas?

Use a fork or a potato masher to mash the bananas thoroughly until smooth. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can also use a blender.

Equipment Needed

Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets: These parchment paper sheets are great for easily removing the banana bread bars from the pan.

Pyrex 3 Glass Mixing Bowls: We always use these mixing bowls when baking.

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