What are the main ingredients needed for banana bars?

The key ingredients include ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed), coconut sugar, unsalted butter, unsweetened almond milk (for a dairy-free option), an egg, vanilla extract, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and chocolate chips. Vegan and gluten-free alternatives are achievable by swapping the egg, dairy, and flour with plant-based or gluten-free options.

How can I make banana bars without dairy?

Substitute milk with unsweetened almond or coconut milk and replace unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. These swaps keep the bars moist and flavorful without impacting texture negatively. For baking egg replacements, flax eggs are common, though this recipe has not been extensively tested with flax eggs.

Can banana bars be made gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace whole wheat flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. It’s helpful to let the batter rest about 30 minutes before baking to achieve better texture. Adjust baking time slightly if needed.

Is there a vegan banana bar recipe option?

You can create a vegan version by using flax eggs or applesauce instead of eggs, choosing vegan butter or coconut oil, and plant-based milk. Opt for vegan chocolate chips to keep all ingredients plant-based. For more detailed vegan baking guidance, visit How to Make Vegan Banana Bars.

Banana Bars Recipe: Delicious Chocolate Chip Dessert

Description

🍌 Experience the delightful balance of creamy bananas and rich chocolate chips in these easy-to-make frosted bars.
🍫 Perfect for dessert lovers, these bars offer a flavorful punch without the heavy guilt—ideal for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
⅓ cup coconut sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
2 tablespoons milk (unsweetened almond milk recommended)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup whole wheat flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup plus 2 tablespoons dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing for overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly coat with nonstick spray.
2. Mash bananas in a bowl to measure 1 cup. Stir in coconut sugar, melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla until well blended.
3. In a separate bowl, mix whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
4. Fold in ⅓ cup of the chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips on top.
5. Bake for 33-37 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into bars.

Notes

🍌 Use overripe bananas for the best flavor. If using yellow bananas, bake them at 300°F for 15 minutes to ripen.
🌱 For a dairy-free version, substitute almond or coconut milk, and use a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil.
🍫 To make gluten-free bars, replace whole wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and let the batter rest for 30 minutes before baking.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Baking Time: 33-37 minutes
Cook Time: n/a
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 98 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: n/a
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: n/a
Trans Fat: n/a
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 18 mg