A Sweet Story: The Dessert That Became a Family Favorite
Some recipes happen by accident, and sometimes, they become instant family classics. That’s exactly how these Gooey Banana Chocolate Bars were born in my kitchen. It started on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I noticed three overripe bananas sitting on my counter, practically begging to be used. Too soft for eating, but too perfect to throw away.
At first, I thought about making banana bread, but I wanted something different—something gooier, richer, and more indulgent. Then it hit me: What if I combined bananas and chocolate in a chewy, soft bar form? That was the beginning of a recipe that my family now requests at least once a week.
The moment I pulled them out of the oven, the house smelled like a mix of warm bananas, melted chocolate, and buttery sweetness. The first bite? Pure heaven. They were chewy, rich, and filled with melty chocolate pockets in every bite. The best part? They took less than 30 minutes to make, and they were gone even faster!
If you love chocolate, bananas, and gooey, melt-in-your-mouth textures, you NEED to make these bars. They’re easy, addicting, and the perfect way to use up ripe bananas!
Why You’ll Love These Gooey Banana Chocolate Bars
Still wondering if this recipe is worth trying? Let me give you a few irresistible reasons why these bars should be on your baking list ASAP.
Super Gooey & Chewy – If you love soft, chewy textures, these bars are for you.
Loaded with Bananas & Chocolate – The perfect balance of fruity sweetness and rich chocolatey goodness.
Easy to Make – No mixer, no fancy equipment—just a bowl, a whisk, and a few simple ingredients.
Great for Using Ripe Bananas – The riper, the better! Bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to these bars.
One-Bowl Recipe – Fewer dishes, more deliciousness. What’s not to love?
“If you think banana bread is good, wait until you try these gooey banana chocolate bars!”
Ingredients for Gooey Banana Chocolate Bars
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s talk ingredients. This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Wet Ingredients
- Ripe bananas
- Melted butter
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Mix-ins & Extras
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- Walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Gooey Banana Chocolate Bars
Now, let’s get to the fun part—baking these insanely delicious bars! Follow these simple steps, and in no time, you’ll have a batch of warm, chocolatey banana bars ready to devour.
Step 1: Prepping Your Ingredients
Before you start mixing, it’s important to get everything ready:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) – This ensures an even bake and the perfect gooey texture.
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash the bananas – Use a fork or potato masher to turn them into a smooth puree. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
Pro Tip: The best bananas for baking have brown spots all over the peel. The darker, the better!
Step 2: Making the Batter
Once your ingredients are ready, it’s time to mix up the batter.
- Melt the butter and let it cool slightly. This keeps the bars rich and soft.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted butter, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Pro Tip: Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing can make the bars dense instead of gooey.
Step 3: Adding the Chocolate Chips
Now comes the best part—chocolate!
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- If you like a little crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- For extra chocolatey goodness, sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips on top before baking.
Pro Tip: Toss your chocolate chips in 1 teaspoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This keeps them from sinking to the bottom!
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Now it’s time to let the oven do its magic!
- Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes.
Pro Tip: For an extra gooey texture, slightly underbake them by 2 minutes!
Step 5: Cooling & Slicing the Bars
Resist the urge to cut into them right away—letting them cool slightly makes them easier to slice!
- Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using parchment paper (if used).
- Cut them into 9 large squares or 12 smaller bars.
- Serve warm for the ultimate gooey, melty chocolate experience!
Nutritional Values Per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Pro Tips for the Best Gooey Banana Chocolate Bars
Want to make sure your Gooey Banana Chocolate Bars come out perfectly soft, chewy, and packed with flavor every time? Follow these expert tips to get bakery-quality bars at home!
How to Get the Perfect Gooey Texture
The key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth, gooey texture is all in the bake. Here’s what you need to know:
✔ Use very ripe bananas – The darker the peel, the sweeter and more moist your bars will be.
✔ Measure your flour correctly – Too much flour makes them cakey instead of gooey. Always spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag.
✔ Don’t overbake! – Remove them from the oven when a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. They will firm up as they cool.
Choosing the Best Bananas
Not all bananas are equally good for baking. Here’s how to pick the best ones for maximum flavor:
✔ Super ripe, almost black bananas – These have the highest sugar content and add natural sweetness to the bars.
✔ Soft and speckled bananas – These work too, but avoid firm, underripe bananas. They won’t mash well or provide enough moisture.
✔ Frozen overripe bananas? Thaw them at room temperature and drain any excess liquid before using.
Pro Tip: To ripen bananas quickly, place them in a paper bag with an apple for 24 hours!
The Secret to Melty Chocolate Chips
Want pockets of melty, gooey chocolate in every bite? Here’s how:
Use high-quality chocolate chips – Brands like Ghirardelli, Guittard, or Lindt melt better than cheaper ones.
Mix dark and semi-sweet chocolate – This creates depth of flavor and prevents the bars from being overly sweet.
Coat the chocolate chips in flour before mixing them into the batter—this keeps them from sinking to the bottom.
Pro Tip: For extra chocolatey bars, press a few chocolate chips on top before baking!
Common Problems & How to Fix Them
Even the best bakers run into issues sometimes. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems when making Gooey Banana Chocolate Bars.
Problem: My Bars Turned Out Too Dry!
✅ Solution: Overbaking is the most common cause! Try reducing the baking time by 2-3 minutes. Also, make sure you’re using overripe bananas, as they add moisture.
Problem: My Chocolate Chips Sank to the Bottom!
✅ Solution: Toss your chocolate chips in 1 teaspoon of flour before adding them to the batter—this helps them stay evenly distributed.
Problem: My Bars Are Too Soft and Fall Apart!
✅ Solution: Let them cool completely before cutting. They will firm up as they cool. If they’re still too soft, you may need to increase the amount of flour slightly.
Problem: My Bars Are Too Sweet!
✅ Solution: Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate and reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Delicious Variations & Customizations
One of the best things about Gooey Banana Chocolate Bars is how easily customizable they are. Want to mix things up? Try these fun variations!
Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars 🥜
- Add ¼ cup of peanut butter to the batter for a nutty twist.
- Swirl extra peanut butter on top before baking for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Use peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips for a different flavor!
Vegan & Gluten-Free Version 🌱
- Swap the butter for melted coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Use a flax egg instead of regular eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg).
- Substitute almond flour or oat flour for all-purpose flour to make them gluten-free.
Extra Nutty & Crunchy Variation 🌰
- Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch.
- Sprinkle crushed nuts on top before baking for a toasty, golden finish.
What to Serve with Gooey Banana Chocolate Bars?
Want to level up your dessert experience? Pair your banana chocolate bars with these delicious sides:
🍨 Vanilla Ice Cream – The warm bars + cold ice cream = the perfect combo!
☕ A Hot Cup of Coffee or Latte – A slightly bitter coffee cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
🥛 Cold Glass of Milk – A classic pairing that never fails.
🍌 Sliced Bananas & Whipped Cream – Add extra bananas for double the banana goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Just thaw them at room temperature, drain the excess liquid, and mash before using.
How do I store leftover banana chocolate bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Can I make these bars without eggs?
Yes! Substitute 1 mashed banana or ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce for each egg.
How can I make them healthier?
Use whole wheat flour, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup, and add chia or flaxseeds for a fiber boost.
Explore More Delicious Recipes
Final Thoughts: Why You NEED to Make These Bars!
These Gooey Banana Chocolate Bars are the ultimate dessert for chocolate and banana lovers. They’re:
Soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips
Easy to make in just one bowl
Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack
A great way to use up ripe bananas
So what are you waiting for? Grab those overripe bananas and start baking—your kitchen is about to smell AMAZING!
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
Print
Gooey Banana Chocolate Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 bars
Description
Soft chewy and packed with melty chocolate these Gooey Banana Chocolate Bars are the ultimate dessert or snack Perfectly sweet with a rich banana flavor and gooey chocolate pockets in every bite these bars are quick and easy to make using simple ingredients Great for using up overripe bananas and a delicious treat for any occasion
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
Ripe bananas mashed
Melted butter
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Mix-ins & Extras
Chocolate chips semi-sweet or dark
Walnuts or pecans optional
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F 175°C and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper
Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth
Add melted butter and brown sugar whisking until combined
Mix in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth
In a separate bowl whisk together flour baking powder and salt
Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined do not overmix
Gently stir in chocolate chips and optional nuts
Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly
Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for a richer flavor
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs
Let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares
Serve warm or at room temperature for the best gooey texture
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and moisture
For extra gooey bars bake for 25 minutes instead of 30
To make it vegan substitute butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: ~120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Gooey Banana Chocolate Bars Banana Chocolate Chip Bars Chewy Banana Chocolate Bars Chocolate Banana Dessert Bars