Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Cookie Bars: Irresistible Bliss in Every Bite

Walking into my kitchen, the aroma of ripe bananas often sparks a wave of nostalgia. These moments remind me of afternoons spent baking with my grandmother, who always seemed to have a knack for turning overripe bananas into delightful treats. Among her repertoire, the soft and chewy banana bread cookie bars held a special place in our hearts.

The simplicity of these bars is what makes them so appealing. With just a handful of ingredients, they transform the humble banana into a dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting. My grandmother would say that the secret lies in the balance of flavors—the sweetness of the bananas perfectly complemented by the rich chocolate chips.

Every time I prepare these soft and chewy banana bread cookie bars, I feel connected to those cherished memories. The process of mixing, folding, and baking becomes a meditation—a way to bring a piece of the past into the present. Sharing these bars with friends and family is like extending a warm hug, offering a taste of tradition wrapped in sweet familiarity.

Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Cookie Bars

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 48-52 minutes
• Yield: 16 squares 1x

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Description

Discover how to make delicious Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Cookie Bars that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Perfect for a quick and easy dessert!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature (113 g)
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar (200 g)
• 1 large egg, room temperature (56 g (2 oz))
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (6 g)
• 1/2 tsp fine salt (3 g)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
• 1 cup mashed overripe banana – about 2 large bananas (250 g)
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips, chopped (125 g)

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Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper and applying a thin layer of cooking spray. Put it aside for later use.
2. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes on medium-high speed. You can also do this by hand using a whisk, ensuring the butter is very soft.
3. Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and salt into the mixture. Blend on a medium-low speed until everything is well combined, making sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
4. Stir in the flour on a low speed until just mixed in.
5. Gently fold the mashed banana into the mixture until it’s completely blended.
6. Next, carefully fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a few pieces to sprinkle over the top of the batter before baking.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and scatter the reserved chocolate pieces over the surface.
8. Place in the oven and bake for 33-37 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even baking.
9. Take the pan out of the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, carefully lift them out and cut into 16 squares with a sharp, warm knife, wiping the blade clean with a paper towel after each cut.
10. Store these bars at room temperature for a few days, or wrap them in plastic or place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is at room temperature for a light and fluffy batter texture.
• Use ripe bananas for a sweeter, more intense banana flavor in the bars.
• Be cautious not to overmix the batter after adding the flour to avoid a tough texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 33-37 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 200
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 3g

Keywords: banana bars, chocolate chip, easy baking, delicious dessert, moist banana

Making Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Cookie Bars

Fundamentals

The foundation of these delightful cookie bars lies in their simple yet flavorful ingredients. Starting with unsalted butter and light brown sugar creates a rich, creamy base that sets the stage for the rest of the flavors. The addition of a large egg and vanilla extract enhances the batter’s depth, while the mashed overripe banana brings a natural sweetness and moist texture.

Incorporating all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure, ensuring the bars hold together without being too dense. A touch of fine salt balances the sweetness, while the chocolate chips add bursts of indulgence with every bite. This combination of ingredients makes these bars a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a casual afternoon snack or a dessert for a family gathering.

Preparation/setup

Before diving into the baking process, preparation is key. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing an 8×8-inch baking pan. Lining the pan with parchment paper and applying a thin layer of cooking spray ensures easy removal of the bars once baked.

Using a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the room temperature butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter texture. Next, blend in the egg, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.

Creating the Perfect Texture

Technique

The secret to achieving the perfect texture in soft and chewy banana bread cookie bars lies in the gentle incorporation of ingredients. Stir in the all-purpose flour on a low speed until just mixed in, being careful not to overwork the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture, which is not what we’re aiming for.

Folding in the mashed banana gently ensures it is evenly distributed without compromising the airiness of the batter. This step is followed by the addition of chocolate chips, reserving a few pieces to sprinkle over the top before baking. This technique not only infuses the bars with chocolatey goodness but also adds a visually appealing touch to the finished product.

Tips/tricks

To elevate the flavor of your banana bread cookie bars, consider using high-quality chocolate chips. The richness of good chocolate enhances the overall taste, making each bite even more satisfying. Additionally, using bananas that are very ripe—almost overly so—ensures maximum sweetness and moisture.

A simple trick to ensure even baking is to rotate the pan halfway through the baking time. This prevents uneven browning and ensures that the bars are perfectly cooked all the way through. Once baked, allowing the bars to cool completely in the pan helps them set properly, making them easier to cut into neat squares.

Achieving the Best Results

Perfecting results

To achieve the best results with soft and chewy banana bread cookie bars, precision and patience are key. Ensuring that all ingredients are at room temperature before starting helps them blend more seamlessly, resulting in a smoother batter. This small step makes a big difference in the final texture of the bars.

Another important factor is the quality of the ingredients. Using fresh, high-quality items, such as organic bananas and real vanilla extract, can elevate the flavor profile significantly. These elements come together to create bars that are not just a treat but an experience to savor.

Troubleshooting/variations

If you encounter issues with your bars, troubleshooting can help you pinpoint the cause. If the bars turn out too dry, it may be due to overbaking or not using enough banana. On the other hand, if they are too wet, it could be a result of underbaking or using bananas that were too large.

For a fun twist on this classic recipe, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter. These variations can add a new dimension to the flavor and texture, offering a delicious way to customize the bars to your liking.

Serving and Storing Your Cookie Bars

Serving/presentation

When it comes to serving soft and chewy banana bread cookie bars, presentation is everything. Arrange the cut squares on a beautiful platter, and consider dusting them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. This simple step transforms the bars from a casual snack to a dessert worthy of any occasion.

Pair these delightful bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. The creamy textures complement the chewy bars perfectly, creating a dessert that is sure to impress.

Pairings/storage

Store your banana bread cookie bars at room temperature for a few days, or wrap them in plastic or place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the bars individually wrapped. This method ensures they stay fresh and ready to enjoy whenever a craving strikes.

For more inspiration on using bananas and chocolate in baking, explore our banana bread cookies or discover our healthy Greek yogurt chocolate chip cookie bars with banana and oats. These recipes offer delightful twists on classic flavors, perfect for those who love creative comfort food.

Conclusion

Soft and chewy banana bread cookie bars are a testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Their rich flavor and comforting texture make them a beloved treat that captures the essence of home baking. With a few key techniques and tips, you can easily perfect this recipe and enjoy a delicious dessert that brings joy to any gathering.

Whether you’re reminiscing about family traditions or simply looking to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars offer a delightful solution. Their versatility and ease of preparation make them an excellent addition to your baking repertoire. So, gather your ingredients and embrace the comforting process of creating these soft and chewy delights.

FAQs – Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Cookie Bars