Delightful Banana Bread Cookie Bars for Sweet Moments

Name: Delightful Banana Bread Cookie Bars for Sweet Moments
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 29, 2025

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There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of fresh-baked goods wafting through the house, and these banana bread cookie bars bring that warm, cozy feeling right to your kitchen! Imagine taking the beloved flavors of classic banana bread and transforming them into easy, chewy cookie bars that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon treat or a quick dessert after dinner, these bars are a delightful combination of sweet, buttery banana goodness and rich, melty chocolate chips.

What I absolutely adore about this recipe is how simple it is to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert that’s sure to impress friends and family. The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the brown sugar adds a lovely caramel flavor that ties everything together. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why these banana bread cookie bars quickly become a favorite in your home!

Banana Bread Cookie Bars - detail 1

Ingredients List

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips

How to Prepare Banana Bread Cookie Bars

Preheat and Prepare

First things first, let’s get that oven fired up! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for those banana bread cookie bars to bake evenly and develop that gorgeous golden color. While the oven is heating, grab a baking pan—an 8×8 inch pan works perfectly for this recipe. It’s essential to grease it well so your bars come out flawlessly. I like to use a little melted butter or non-stick spray to coat the bottom and sides. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance against sticking. Trust me, it makes for super easy removal!

Mixing the Ingredients

Now onto the fun part—mixing! Start by mashing those ripe bananas in a mixing bowl. You want them nice and smooth, with just a few lumps for texture. Once you’ve got your mashed bananas, add in the melted butter and packed brown sugar, and mix everything together until it’s well combined. This is where the magic happens; the sweetness of the bananas and the deep flavor of brown sugar merge beautifully! Next, stir in one large egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma.

In another bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything’s evenly combined. Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. I like to do this in thirds, mixing gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix—this can make your cookie bars tough. Finally, fold in those delicious chocolate chips that will melt into gooey goodness as they bake!

Baking the Bars

Now that your batter is ready, pour it into the greased baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Pop it into that preheated oven and let it bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. The smell is going to be heavenly, but don’t get too impatient! To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. If it comes out with wet batter, give it a few more minutes. Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Trust me, the waiting will be worth it when you take that first bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch of these delicious bars without breaking a sweat!
Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of sweet, ripe bananas and rich chocolate chips creates a flavor explosion that’s truly irresistible!
Perfect for Overripe Bananas: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, turning them into a delightful treat.
Versatile Dessert: These bars are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night in, a bake sale, or a family gathering, they’re sure to impress.
Chewy and Satisfying Texture: With a perfect combination of chewy cookie and moist banana bread, each bite is a comforting delight!

Tips for Success

Getting those banana bread cookie bars just right is all about the little details! Here are some tried-and-true tips to make sure your bars come out perfectly every time:

Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookie bars will be! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even a few that have turned completely brown. They’ll mash easily and add that delicious banana flavor.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: It can be tempting to mix everything until it’s perfectly smooth, but overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined—some lumps are totally fine! This keeps your bars chewy and tender.
Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can be tricky! If you find that your bars are often overcooked or undercooked, consider using an oven thermometer to double-check that your oven is at the right temperature.
Let Them Cool: I know it’s hard to resist the smell of fresh-baked goodies, but letting your bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before cutting will make them easier to slice and help them hold together better.
Add Nuts for Extra Crunch: If you like a bit of texture, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips. They add a delightful crunch that complements the soft bars beautifully!
Store Properly: To keep your cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last for a few days, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long!

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll master the art of making the best banana bread cookie bars your family and friends will rave about!

Nutritional Information

When you indulge in these delightful banana bread cookie bars, you’ll be pleased to know they offer a satisfying treat without too much guilt! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (1 bar):

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 14g
Protein: 2g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used. Enjoy your baking adventure, and don’t forget to share these scrumptious bars with friends and family!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these delicious banana bread cookie bars? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries I get, along with my answers:

Can I freeze banana bread cookie bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds!
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
If you’re not a fan of chocolate chips or want to switch things up, feel free to use chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even white chocolate chips! The options are endless, and you can customize these bars to suit your taste buds.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Great question! To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready to come out of the oven. If you see wet batter, give them a few more minutes and check again!
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
You sure can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it’s a blend that can be used as a 1:1 replacement for flour, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free banana bread cookie bars that everyone can enjoy!
What’s the best way to store leftover bars?
To keep your bars fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them as mentioned earlier!

I hope these answers help you on your baking journey! Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need tips while making your banana bread cookie bars.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your delicious banana bread cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about 3 to 5 days, but trust me, they might not last that long because they’re just too tasty! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Simply wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen bars, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for a bit. If you’re short on time, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up. This way, they’ll be just as delightful as when they were freshly baked!