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- 2 ripe bananas, mashed - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/3 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional) You need these simple ingredients to make chewy chocolate chip banana bars. Start with two ripe bananas. The riper, the better! Their sweetness adds flavor and moisture. Next, grab half a cup of unsweetened applesauce. This keeps the bars moist without extra fat. You will also need one-third cup of brown sugar. It gives a rich taste. Use a quarter cup of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness. A teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the flavors. Don't forget the dry ingredients! You will need one teaspoon of baking soda to help the bars rise. A half teaspoon of salt balances the sweetness. One teaspoon of ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth. For the base, use one and a half cups of whole wheat flour. This makes the bars hearty. Finally, fold in half a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for that gooey goodness. If you like nuts, add a quarter cup of chopped walnuts. They give a nice crunch. With these ingredients, you’re ready to create tasty chewy chocolate chip banana bars! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. - In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, applesauce, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. - Now, sprinkle the baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon over the wet mix. Stir to combine well. - Gradually add the whole wheat flour, mixing just until all the flour is wet. Do not overmix. This keeps the bars chewy. - Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts if you want. Mix gently to spread them evenly. - Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly to cover the pan. - Bake for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. - Keep an eye on it to make sure you do not overbake. This keeps them soft and chewy. - Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps them set. - Carefully transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess. - For slicing, use a sharp knife. Wet the knife with water to get smooth cuts. Enjoy your chewy chocolate chip banana bars! To ensure the perfect texture in your chewy chocolate chip banana bars, use ripe bananas. Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture. The applesauce also helps keep the bars soft. Mix the wet ingredients well, but don't overmix when adding flour. Overmixing can lead to tough bars. To avoid overmixing, mix the dry ingredients separately. Once you combine them with the wet mixture, stir gently until just combined. This keeps your bars light and fluffy. For a stunning presentation, cut the bars into squares. Serve them on a colorful plate. You can drizzle melted chocolate on top for a fancy touch. Serve these bars with a cup of tea or coffee. They make a delightful afternoon snack! One common mistake is overbaking the bars. Keep an eye on them after 25 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If you bake too long, the bars can become dry. When substituting ingredients, avoid using too much liquid. If you use a different sweetener, adjust the amounts. Honey is sweeter than brown sugar, so use less. Always keep the balance in mind for the best results. Pro Tips Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for the best results. Storage Solutions: Keep your bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Custom Flavor Variations: Experiment with different mix-ins like dried fruits, coconut flakes, or different types of nuts to create your unique flavor profile. Serve Warm: For a delightful treat, serve the bars warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of yogurt on top. {{image_2}} You can change some ingredients for different tastes. For sweeteners, try using coconut sugar or agave syrup. These add a unique flavor. Using honey or maple syrup offers a simple switch. Both options keep the bars moist and tasty. For those needing gluten-free options, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. These flours work well in this recipe. They keep the bars chewy while giving a slight nutty taste. Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. These spices give your bars a warm, cozy flavor. You can also experiment with different extracts. Almond or hazelnut extract can give your bars a fun twist. If you love dried fruits, try adding some raisins or cranberries. They pair nicely with the chocolate chips. You can even use chopped dates for extra sweetness. If you follow a vegan diet, swap the honey for maple syrup. This keeps the bars vegan and delicious. You can also replace the chocolate chips with dairy-free options. There are many great brands that make vegan chocolate chips. For nut-free needs, just leave out the walnuts. You can add seeds like sunflower or pumpkin instead. This keeps your bars crunchy while making them safe for all diets. To keep your chewy chocolate chip banana bars fresh, use an airtight container. A glass or plastic container works great. Line the container with parchment paper for easy removal. Store the bars at room temperature for short-term use. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigeration. This helps maintain their soft texture. These delicious bars stay fresh for about one week when stored properly. After a week, they may start to dry out. Signs of spoilage include a change in color and an off smell. If you see mold or feel a slimy texture, it's best to toss them. You can freeze the bars for up to three months. To freeze, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you are ready to enjoy them, remove the bars from the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results. You can also microwave them for a few seconds to warm them up. To make these bars more chocolatey, you can add more chocolate chips. Try increasing the semi-sweet chocolate chips from 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup. You can even mix in some dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. The extra chips create gooey pockets of chocolate. This will make every bite a chocolate lover's dream! Yes, you can use overripe bananas! In fact, overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe. They are sweeter and softer, making them easier to mash. Their flavor enhances the taste of the bars. Plus, they help keep the bars moist. If the bananas are brown and spotty, they are just right to use! If you don't have whole wheat flour, try using all-purpose flour. It works well in this recipe, too. For a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or oat flour. Just make sure to adjust the amount slightly, as these flours may need different ratios. Each flour option brings its own unique flavor and texture. This article covers how to make delicious and healthy bars with simple ingredients. We discussed the key components, step-by-step baking instructions, and helpful tips. You can customize these bars to fit your taste and dietary needs. Remember to follow the storage tips to keep them fresh. With easy variations and common mistakes noted, you’re set for success. Enjoy making these tasty treats that are sure to please!

Chewy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

Deliciously chewy bars made with ripe bananas and chocolate chips, perfect for a snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces ripe bananas, mashed
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 0.33 cup brown sugar
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
  • 0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 0.25 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, unsweetened applesauce, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
  • Sprinkle the baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon over the wet mixture, then stir to incorporate.
  • Gradually add the whole wheat flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly to the edges.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Cut the bars into squares and serve on a colorful plate. For an added touch, drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the top before serving. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack!
Keyword banana, bars, chocolate chip, dessert, snack