Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

These Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a delightful twist on traditional banana bread, offering a moist, tender texture with a rich, buttery flavor. Infused with ripe bananas and dotted with mini chocolate chips, they strike a perfect balance between sweetness and indulgence. Whether you're looking to use up overripe bananas or simply craving a comforting treat, these bars are quick and easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. Their chewy, blondie-like consistency is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• ¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 1 cup (240 g) mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)

• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract

• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup (128 g) mini chocolate chips, divided

*Note: For gluten-free options, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or oat flour. Adjust baking powder to ¾ teaspoon if using oat flour.

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper along the bottom and two sides.

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter with the light brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is well combined.

4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of the mini chocolate chips, reserving the remaining ¼ cup for topping.

6. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips evenly over the top.

7. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

8. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan to room temperature. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal

• Protein: 3 g

• Fat: 12 g

• Carbohydrates: 35 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 20 g

• Sodium: 150 mg