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Banana Peanut Butter Chip Bars Recipe
Got overripe bananas sitting on the counter? These Banana Peanut Butter Chip Bars are one of the most delicious ways to use them up. Packed with ripe banana flavor, creamy peanut butter, and plenty of chocolate chips, these soft and chewy bars are perfect for dessert, an afternoon snack, or even breakfast on busy mornings.
Unlike traditional banana bread, these bars bake in a sheet pan, making them quicker to prepare and easier to serve. The combination of bananas, peanut butter, and chocolate creates a classic flavor trio that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re baking for your family, a potluck, or simply trying to avoid wasting ripe bananas, this easy recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Banana Peanut Butter Chip Bars
- Great way to use overripe bananas
- Soft, moist, and chewy texture
- Rich peanut butter flavor
- Loaded with chocolate chips
- Easy one-bowl recipe
- Perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, and desserts
- Freezer-friendly
Banana Peanut Butter Chip Bars Ingredients
- 5 very ripe bananas
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 eggs
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips, divided
How to Make Banana Peanut Butter Chip Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Spray a 15 x 10½-inch jelly roll pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Peel and mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl.
Add the brown sugar, vegetable oil, peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Fold in half of the chocolate chips.
Step 4: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Serve as-is or with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate treat.
Tips for the Best Banana Peanut Butter Chip Bars
Use Very Ripe Bananas
The darker and softer the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Mix only until the ingredients are combined to keep the bars tender and soft.
Line the Pan with Parchment Paper
Parchment makes it easy to lift the bars from the pan and cut clean squares.
Measure Flour Correctly
Too much flour can make the bars dry. Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Variations
Peanut Butter Chip Banana Bars
Replace some or all of the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips for extra peanut butter flavor.
Double Chocolate Banana Bars
Add ¼ cup cocoa powder and use chocolate chunks instead of chips.
Banana Nut Bars
Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
Mini Chocolate Chip Bars
Use mini chocolate chips for more chocolate in every bite.
Cinnamon Banana Bars
Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a warm banana bread flavor.
Storage
Store Banana Peanut Butter Chip Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Can You Freeze Banana Peanut Butter Chip Bars?
Yes.
Allow the bars to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but regular creamy peanut butter typically provides the best texture and consistency.
Can I make these without chocolate chips?
Absolutely. The bars are still delicious with just the banana and peanut butter flavors.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The bananas should be heavily spotted or mostly brown. Overripe bananas provide the sweetest flavor and softest texture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. These bars stay moist for several days and are perfect for making ahead.
Can I turn this into banana bread?
This recipe is designed for bars, but the batter can often be adapted for loaf pans by increasing the baking time.
What to Serve with Banana Peanut Butter Chip Bars
These bars pair perfectly with:
- A glass of cold milk
- Fresh coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Vanilla ice cream
- Peanut butter drizzle
These Banana Peanut Butter Chip Bars combine everything you love about banana bread with the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. They’re soft, moist, easy to make, and a fantastic way to use up ripe bananas before they go to waste.
Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, school snack, or weekend dessert, this simple recipe is guaranteed to disappear quickly.
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Banana Peanut Butter Chip Bars
Ingredients
- 5 very ripe bananas
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 eggs
- 1-3/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips, divided
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°. Spray a x 10-1/2" pan with non-stick cooking spray or use parchment paper.
- Peel and mash bananas. Stir in brown sugar, oil, peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla until combined.
- Add dry ingredients and stir to combine. Fold in 1/2 of the chocolate chips.
- Spread batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining chips on top.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely and cut into squares.
Nutrition
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