Banana chocolate chip bars

These Banana chocolate chip bars are vintage-inspired and perfect for using up overly ripe bananas! This recipe has been adapted from my Better Homes and Gardens 1975 cookbook.

Banana chocolate chip bars

These Banana chocolate chip bars are soft, moist, and packed with banana flavor. Inspired by a handwritten note in a vintage 1975 Better Homes and Gardens Cookies and Pies cookbook that read "very good", this retro recipe got a modern twist—and yes, they really are “very good!”

I found the original banana bar recipe while thrifting cookbooks and couldn’t resist giving it a try. With a few tweaks, like swapping margarine for butter and slightly under baking for a denser texture, these bars are like a crossover between brownies and a cake. This quick banana dessert became an instant favorite in my kitchen.

Made with overripe bananas, pantry staples, and plenty of chocolate chips, these easy banana bars are perfect for using up bananas sitting on the counter. The recipe follows the classic creaming method—mixing butter and sugars until fluffy, then adding eggs, bananas, and dry ingredients. For extra chocolatey goodness, I added a generous handful of chocolate chips on top before baking.

Whether you’re looking for a quick banana dessert, a crowd-pleasing potluck treat, or a new way to use ripe bananas, these Banana chocolate chip bars are a must-try!

Banana chocolate chip bars

Ingredients

• ¾ cup butter, room temperature

• 2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 2/3 cup sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 ripe bananas

• 2 cups all purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks + 1/4 cup for sprinkling on top

  
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9x9 baking tray with parchment paper. Do not use a smaller pan. If you'd like thinner bars, use a 9x13.

2. In a large bowl, add softened butter and sugars. Mix with the paddle attachment in a stand mixer or using an electric hand mixer. You want the mixture to get fluffy and light.

3. Add the eggs and beat again until fully incorporated. Add vanilla and the two ripe bananas. Beat the mixture until everything is incorporated.

4. Add in the dry ingredients (flour, salt, baking powder) and mix well. Add in the 1 cup of chocolate chips and mix until just combined. (you can add as many as your heart desires).

5. Pour the batter into the lined baking pan. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips. Bake for 40 minutes for the 9x9 pan or until golden brown on top. A knife or toothpick inserted near the middle should come out clean.

6. You can store these bars in an air tight container to keep their freshness and texture.