Banana Chocolate Chip Squares Recipe

Moist Banana Chocolate Chip Squares Recipe That Make Snacking Joyful

Sweet banana chocolate chip squares bring comfort and nostalgia to every kitchen.

Moist, tender textures blend seamlessly with rich chocolate morsels in this classic treat.

Bakery-style goodness emerges from simple ingredients waiting to redefine into something magical.

Home bakers love how quickly these squares come together without complicated techniques or special equipment.

Ripe bananas contribute natural sweetness and incredible moisture that elevates the entire recipe.

Soft crumbs studded with melty chocolate chips create an irresistible dessert perfect for afternoon snacking or casual gatherings.

chocolate lovers and banana fans will find themselves returning to this delightful recipe time and again.

A Soft, Sweet Square That Checks All the Boxes

  • Create Comfort with Classic Flavors: These banana chocolate chip squares blend the warmth of ripe bananas with rich chocolate, delivering a nostalgic taste that feels like a sweet hug from grandma's kitchen.
  • Effortless Baking Magic: The recipe requires minimal technical skills, making it perfect for beginner bakers who want to create something deliciously impressive without complicated techniques.
  • Customize Your Dessert Delight: Easily adaptable with optional caramel frosting, this versatile treat works for afternoon snacks, potlucks, or unexpected dessert cravings with minimal preparation time.
  • Texture Paradise in Every Bite: Soft, moist banana base combined with melty chocolate chips and silky frosting creates a multilayered sensory experience that keeps you craving another square.

What Goes Into These Banana Chocolate Bars

Baking Essentials:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the squares, choose unbleached flour for best texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in the recipe.
  • Baking Powder or Baking Soda: Helps the squares rise and become light.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and moisture, use unsalted for better flavor control.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel notes and helps keep squares moist.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the baked squares.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet background flavor, pure vanilla is recommended.
Flavor Builders:
  • Ripe Bananas: Key flavor component, use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and intense banana taste.
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds chocolate bursts, semi-sweet works best for balanced sweetness.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, creamy frosting with soft texture.
  • Caramel: Adds rich, deep sweetness to frosting.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps create smooth, spreadable frosting consistency.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Optional topping for extra chocolate decoration.

How to Bake Moist Banana Squares with Chips

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and coat it with cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip softened butter and rich brown sugar until they become light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer and blend for about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Moisture Ingredients

Crack an egg into the butter mixture and pour in vanilla extract. Gently mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt

Slowly incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just blended.

Step 5: Prepare Banana Mixture

Mash 2 1/2 ripe bananas in a bowl. Keep the remaining half banana for optional decoration. Fold the mashed bananas into the batter until fully integrated.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Excitement

Gently stir in chocolate chips. Save a small handful to sprinkle on top for extra visual appeal.

Step 7: Bake Golden Squares

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips across the top. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Step 8: Cool and Rest

Remove from oven and let the squares rest for 15 minutes. Carefully transfer to a cooling rack by flipping the pan.

Step 9: Create Decadent Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Caramel sauce
  • Heavy cream
  • Vanilla extract

Whip for 3-5 minutes until frosting reaches a silky consistency.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Slice the cooled squares into perfect portions. Pipe frosting on top using a decorative piping bag. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips for a final touch of deliciousness.

Tips for That Golden Edge and Fudgy Center

  • Boost Banana Flavor: Use overripe bananas with dark brown spots for deeper, sweeter taste and more intense banana profile.
  • Prevent Chocolate Sinking: Toss chocolate chips in a tablespoon of flour before folding into batter to help them stay evenly distributed during baking.
  • Check Moisture Level: Insert a toothpick in the center of squares; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the squares are perfectly baked and will remain soft.
  • Enhance Caramel Notes: Toast brown sugar slightly before mixing to develop rich, complex caramel undertones in the squares.
  • Store Smart: Keep squares in an airtight container at room temperature for three days, or refrigerate for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.

Storing Banana Squares Without Losing Flavor

  • Refrigerate: Seal banana chocolate chip squares in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep frosted squares separate from unfrosted ones to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This helps restore their soft, fresh-baked texture and brings out the chocolate's rich flavor.

What Works Well with These Snackable Bars

  • Pair with Creamy Latte: Complement the sweet banana chocolate chip squares with a smooth, rich latte. The coffee's warmth and creamy texture perfectly balance the dessert's rich flavors.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top the warm squares with a scoop of cold vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast between warm cake and cold ice cream creates a delightful sensory experience.
  • Match with Caramel Macchiato: The caramel frosting on the squares finds a soulmate in a caramel macchiato. Both share deep caramel notes that enhance each other's sweetness and complexity.
  • Enjoy with Cold Milk: A classic glass of cold milk cuts through the dessert's richness, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the decadent chocolate and banana flavors.

Flavor Tweaks That Keep It Fun

  • Nutty Banana Bliss: Replace half the chocolate chips with chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and earthy flavor.
  • Caramel Banana Dream: Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the frosted squares and sprinkle sea salt for a rich, decadent touch.
  • Coconut Tropical Treat: Mix shredded coconut into the batter and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired version.
  • Peanut Butter Banana Swirl: Swirl creamy peanut butter into the batter before baking and add peanut butter chips alongside chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
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Banana Chocolate Chip Squares Recipe

Banana Chocolate Chip Squares Recipe


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4.9 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Banana chocolate chip squares deliver sweet comfort with classic homestyle charm. Moist crumb and rich chocolate create irresistible harmony that welcomes you into warm kitchen memories.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 small overripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 egg, room temperature

Fats and Liquids:

  • 8 tablespoons (½ cup / 113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 tablespoons caramel sauce
  • 12 tablespoons heavy cream

Additional Ingredients:

  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1/8 cup mini chocolate chips (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature and prepare the baking vessel with protective layers to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream together softened butter and rich brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dessert.
  3. Incorporate the egg and aromatic vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  4. Sift together the dry ingredients and gently integrate them into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
  5. Transform ripe bananas into a luscious puree, reserving a small portion for visual appeal. Carefully fold the mashed fruit into the batter, ensuring even incorporation.
  6. Generously distribute chocolate chips throughout the mixture, reserving a small handful for a decorative topping.
  7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, artfully scattering the remaining chocolate chips across the surface.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven until the edges turn golden and a toothpick emerges clean when inserted.
  9. Allow the baked treat to rest and cool slightly, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to complete cooling.
  10. Whip the butter until it becomes smooth and creamy, then gradually introduce powdered sugar, caramel, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
  11. Beat the frosting until it reaches a silky, spreadable consistency with a light, airy texture.
  12. Slice the cooled squares into elegant portions and embellish with a delicate piped frosting design.
  13. Sprinkle miniature chocolate chips as a final garnish, adding a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Overripe bananas work best for maximum sweetness and moisture in these delectable squares.
  • Always line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth and even mixing of the batter.
  • Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the squares tender and soft.
  • Let the squares cool completely before adding frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
  • Store squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 295
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 2.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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