Banana Bread Bars ⋆ 100 Days of Real Food

Banana Bread Bars ⋆ 100 Days of Real Food

Irresistible Banana Bread Bars

If you love banana bread, you’re in for a treat! These Banana Bread Bars are incredibly soft, moist, and bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. With a touch of chocolate chips, they make the perfect snack for any time of day!


A Fun Twist on Classic Banana Bread

Skip the traditional banana bread loaf and try these easy-to-make Banana Bread Bars instead! They deliver all the delicious banana flavor you love, with a chewy, tender texture and just the right amount of chocolatey goodness. Whether you enjoy them as a breakfast bite, an afternoon snack, or a sweet treat, these bars are sure to be a hit!


Banana bread bars.Banana bread bars.

 

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These Banana Bread Bars are a fantastic choice for a quick breakfast, a satisfying brunch addition, an afternoon snack, or even a healthier dessert. Kids and adults alike will love their naturally sweet flavor and soft, chewy texture!


Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Bars

Quick & Easy – These bars come together in under an hour with minimal prep, making them perfect for busy days.

Kid-Approved – The combination of sweet bananas and chocolate chips makes them an instant favorite for the whole family.

Customizable – You can switch up the ingredients with different add-ins for a fun, personalized twist.

Healthier Option – Made with wholesome ingredients like oats and peanut butter, these bars are a more nutritious alternative to traditional desserts.

💡 Looking for another tasty breakfast idea? Try our Almond Flour Banana Bread!


Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make these chocolate chip banana bread bars. For the full recipe, check the recipe card below!

  • Ripe bananas – The riper, the better! They add natural sweetness and a smooth texture.

  • Eggs – Help bind the ingredients together.

  • Sweetener – Use pure maple syrup or honey for a naturally sweet flavor.

  • Plain Greek yogurt – Adds moisture and a protein boost; opt for unsweetened yogurt.

  • Creamy peanut butter – Choose an all-natural variety made with just peanuts.

  • Rolled oats – Provide great texture and a slightly nutty flavor.

  • Oat flour – Acts as the base; you can buy it pre-made or blend oats into a fine flour yourself.

  • Baking soda – Helps the bars rise for a light and fluffy texture.

  • Dark chocolate chips – Add a rich, indulgent touch!

Ingredients for banana bread bars.Ingredients for banana bread bars.

Flavor & Texture

These Banana Bread Bars offer an irresistible combination of textures. The mashed bananas give them a soft, moist crumb, while the rolled oats provide a delightful chewiness.

Every bite is filled with gooey, melted chocolate chips, adding just the right amount of sweetness.

In essence, these bars taste like a cross between oatmeal banana bread and chocolate chip cookies—delicious and satisfying!


How to Make Banana Bread Bars

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, maple syrup, yogurt, and peanut butter. Stir until well blended and smooth.

Greek yogurt and eggs in bowl.Greek yogurt and eggs in bowl.

Step 3:

Next, mix in the rolled oats, oat flour, and baking soda. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined, creating a thick and even batter

Light batter in bowl.Light batter in bowl.

Step 4

Mix in the dark chocolate chips.

Thick banana batter.Thick banana batter.

Step 5

Pour the banana batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 6

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Baked banana bars in pan.Baked banana bars in pan.

Step 7

Let the banana bread bars cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This helps them set for the perfect texture! Enjoy! 😊

Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Bars

Want the best results? Follow these expert tips:

Use Ripe Bananas – The riper, the better! Bananas with brown spots add natural sweetness and deeper flavor.

Don’t Overmix – Stir until just combined. Overmixing can make the bars dense instead of soft and chewy.

Let Them Cool – Be patient! Allowing the bars to cool fully before slicing ensures they hold their shape and don’t crumble.

Use Parchment Paper – Lining your pan makes removal easy and cleanup a breeze.


Fun Ways to Customize Your Banana Bread Bars

Want to switch things up? Try these variations:

🍫 Mix It Up – Swap out chocolate chips for chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a combo of both.

🍂 Warm Spices – Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a cozy, spiced flavor.

🥜 Nut Butter Options – Experiment with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different taste twist.

This version keeps things fresh and engaging.

Close up of chocolate chip bars.Close up of chocolate chip bars.

How to Serve & Store Banana Bread Bars

Serving Ideas

Enjoy your Banana Bread Bars in different ways:
🍯 Drizzle with honey for added natural sweetness.
🍦 Pair with a scoop of homemade banana ice cream.
🍶 Top with whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

How to Store

🟡 Short-Term: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
❄️ Long-Term: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw or warm them in the microwave.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔹 Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure your oats and oat flour are certified gluten-free.

🔹 What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
No problem! Substitute with regular yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.

🔹 Can I freeze the bars?
Absolutely! Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a quick warm-up.

🔹 What’s the best way to mash bananas?
Use a fork or potato masher for a slightly chunky texture. If you prefer smooth banana puree, blend them in a food processor or blender.


Kitchen Essentials for This Recipe

Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets – Makes removing the bars from the pan effortless.
Pyrex 3-Piece Glass Mixing Bowls – Perfect for easy mixing and prep.

🔎 Looking for more must-have kitchen tools? Check out our Kitchen Favorites!

Chocolate banana bars.Chocolate banana bars.

You May Also Enjoy

Loved these Banana Bread Bars? Try these other delicious recipes:

🍌 Almond Flour Banana Bread – A nutritious and gluten-free twist on a classic favorite.
🥞 Fluffy Oat Pancakes – Soft, hearty, and perfect for a wholesome breakfast.
🍫 Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies – A chewy, sweet treat packed with flavor.

If you tried this recipe, let us know! Leave a rating and comment—we’d love to hear how it turned out for you! 😊

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