These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are soft, sweet, and packed with rich banana flavor, making them the perfect treat for any time of the day. Whether you’re craving a quick snack, a healthier dessert, or an energy-packed breakfast, these bars are a delicious and nutritious choice. With the combination of ripe bananas, oats, and peanut butter, they offer a wholesome treat that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are the ultimate sweet indulgence with a healthy twist. Made with natural ingredients like ripe bananas, peanut butter, and oats, these bars are both satisfying and nutritious. The chocolate chips add the perfect touch of sweetness without overpowering the flavor of the bananas, and the addition of cinnamon and vanilla brings warmth to each bite. Plus, they are quick to prepare, making them an excellent choice for a snack, breakfast on the go, or a post-workout treat!

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 baking pan.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas and mix them with the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
Stir in the rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until set and golden brown.
Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Nut butters: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, feel free to swap it out for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.
Add-ins: For extra texture and flavor, you can add in a handful of nuts like walnuts or almonds, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
Vegan option: This recipe is already vegan-friendly, but make sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it fully plant-based.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the banana bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing: These bars freeze well! Simply wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature or heat in the microwave for a few seconds.
Reheating: If you prefer them warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different sweetener besides maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or even coconut sugar for a different sweetness. Keep in mind that different sweeteners may affect the flavor slightly.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats. Make sure to check that the peanut butter and chocolate chips are also gluten-free.

How can I make these bars more decadent?

For an even richer treat, add a swirl of melted chocolate on top of the bars before baking, or drizzle a little extra peanut butter on top after baking.

Can I make these bars without chocolate chips?

Yes, you can skip the chocolate chips and still have a delicious banana oat bar. If you want a touch of sweetness, consider adding a handful of raisins or coconut flakes instead.

How can I make these bars less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of maple syrup or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

Can I use other fruits instead of bananas?

While bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, you can experiment with other mashed fruits like applesauce or pumpkin puree. However, it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

Are these bars suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are perfect for meal prep. Simply bake a batch at the beginning of the week and store them in an airtight container for easy snacks or breakfasts throughout the week.

Can I add protein to these bars?

Yes, you can easily add protein powder to the mix. Try adding a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder to boost the protein content of these bars.

How do I know when the bars are done?

The bars are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the bars are too soft in the middle, bake them for a few more minutes.

Can I add a frosting or glaze?

You can top these bars with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and almond milk, or drizzle melted chocolate for extra indulgence.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are the perfect blend of healthy and indulgent. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, bananas, and peanut butter, they provide a delicious and nutritious treat that’s suitable for snacks, breakfast, or dessert. With the perfect combination of sweetness from the bananas and maple syrup and a rich chocolatey finish, these bars will satisfy any craving while keeping you fueled for the day. Enjoy these homemade bars as a wholesome, easy-to-make treat!

Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

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Print Recipe

These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are soft, chewy, and full of natural sweetness from ripe bananas, maple syrup, and a touch of cinnamon. Blended with oats, peanut butter, and chocolate chips, these bars are a wholesome treat perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a healthy dessert. Easy to make, vegan-friendly, and great for meal prep!

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, mash bananas and mix with peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
Stir in oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes

Nut Butters: Swap peanut butter with almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter.
Add-ins: Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or coconut flakes for extra texture.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep this recipe fully vegan.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian