If you’ve ever looked for a way to elevate snack time, or sneak some wholesome goodness into your day, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are the treat you’ve been waiting for. Bursting with the natural sweetness of banana, creamy peanut butter, and the indulgent touch of chocolate chips, these bars strike the perfect balance between comfort food and smart snacking. Moist, chewy, and impossibly easy to make, this recipe brings together ingredients you probably already have and transforms them into something everyone—from kids to grownups—will reach for time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a few everyday staples come together to create serious dessert magic. Every ingredient here plays its own special role in making these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bars so irresistible—whether it’s for flavor, tender crumb, or a little boost of chocolatey cheer.
- Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better; they add natural sweetness and incredible moistness.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Delivers a nutty depth and helps bind everything together for a rich bite.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: A natural way to sweeten and add a lovely sheen to the bars.
- Large Egg: Gives structure and lightness; a flax egg works beautifully for a vegan touch.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic notes that round out the flavors.
- Baking Soda: A pinch helps the bars rise and stay tender, never dense.
- Salt: Just enough to heighten every other flavor.
- Whole Wheat or All-Purpose Flour: Use either for a soft, pleasantly chewy texture (and a fiber boost with whole wheat).
- Ground Cinnamon (optional): For those who crave a subtle warm spice.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Tiny bursts of chocolate in every bite; reserve a few to scatter on top for that bakery-style look.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and either line it with parchment paper (for super easy removal) or give it a light greasing with oil or cooking spray. This little step ensures your bars come out picture-perfect every time.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, peel and add your ripe bananas. Using a sturdy fork or potato masher, work them until they’re smooth and lump-free. The more mashed and creamy your bananas, the silkier your bars will be!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the creamy peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, the egg (or flax egg, if you’re going vegan), and vanilla extract right into the mashed bananas. Stir it all together until you have a glossy, unified mixture; this is setting the stage for moist, flavorful bars.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the baking soda, salt, your choice of flour, and cinnamon (if using). Gently stir until everything is just combined—you want to avoid over-mixing, so stop when you no longer see dry streaks. This helps keep the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bars tender instead of tough.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips
Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently, ensuring those sweet pockets of chocolate get distributed throughout the batter. For an eye-catching finish, reserve a tablespoon or two to scatter across the top once the batter’s in the pan.
Step 6: Bake
Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth out the top. Sprinkle those extra chocolate chips on if you’d like that wow factor. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a bit of melted chocolate is just fine!).
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps them set up so they slice cleanly. Then, lift them out using the parchment, or carefully turn them onto a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares. The hardest part will be waiting, but it’s worth it!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Garnishes
Topping your bars can make them extra inviting. Try a shower of extra chocolate chips while the bars are still a bit warm, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a light drizzle of melted peanut butter for a stunning finish.
Side Dishes
While these bars are fantastic on their own, pairing them with a glass of cold milk, a frothy latte, or a bowl of fresh berries turns snack time into a mini celebration. For a brunch spread, they’re delicious alongside Greek yogurt and fruit.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the bars high on a rustic cake stand, wrap individual pieces in parchment for lunchboxes, or cut them smaller and serve as bite-sized treats at parties. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bars also shine as a last-minute dessert served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is especially warm, stash them in the fridge to keep them fresh for a day or two longer.
Freezing
To freeze, simply wrap individual bars (or the whole slab) tightly in plastic wrap, then pop into a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature or briefly zap them in the microwave.
Reheating
If you crave a warm, gooey experience, pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. That melted chocolate and soft texture make these bars feel freshly baked every single time.
FAQs
Can I make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bars vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes) and use maple syrup as your sweetener. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips for a completely plant-based treat.
What’s the best way to ripen bananas quickly?
If your bananas are still a bit green, pop them (peels on) in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. They’ll turn brown and sweeten up in a flash, perfect for these bars.
Can I add nuts or seeds for extra crunch?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds all make delicious additions to the batter. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
You sure can. Chunky peanut butter will add small peanut bits throughout the bars, giving each bite a fun, nutty crunch. If you’re a fan of texture, go for it!
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out mostly clean (a smear of melted chocolate is fine), they’re ready. Overbaking can dry them out, so start checking at the 20-minute mark.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bars a try the next time you spot a couple of overripe bananas on your counter. Every batch brings cozy comfort, bold flavor, and effortless snacking together in one delicious bite. Happy baking, and don’t be surprised if these bars become your new go-to treat!
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a delicious and wholesome treat that’s perfect for snacking or dessert. With the sweetness of ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and a hint of chocolate, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Ripe Bananas:
2 bananas, mashed
Creamy Peanut Butter:
1/2 cup
Honey or Maple Syrup:
1/4 cup
Large Egg:
1
Vanilla Extract:
1 teaspoon
Baking Soda:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt:
1/4 teaspoon
Flour:
1/2 cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour
Ground Cinnamon:
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Mini Chocolate Chips:
1/3 cup, plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, peanut butter, honey, egg, and vanilla.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in baking soda, salt, flour, and cinnamon. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan, top with extra chocolate chips, and bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use a flax egg and maple syrup.
- These bars freeze well and are great for a quick snack.
- Enhance with chopped nuts or seeds for added texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
