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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
- Includes two 40 oz. jars of SKIPPY Creamy Peanut Butter Spread
- With nutritious foods like whole grain bread, fruit and milk, SKIPPY smooth peanut butter helps restore energy and leaves you feeling charged
- Real roasted peanuts with no added preservatives, free from artificial flavors or colors, certified Kosher, gluten-free and tree nut-free; it's a great addition to your pantry food items
- Smooth, Naturally: Our peanut butter spreads have no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors; try them on crackers, in sandwiches, with lunch foods like apples or celery or just enjoy a rich spoonful for a tasty snack
- Wholesome and Delicious: We've been spreading tasty fun since 1933; the ways to enjoy SKIPPY peanut butter creamy spread are endless, so when you’re craving an easy, satisfying snack, there’s only one thing to do: Go To Your SKIPPY Place
- Naturals commercial bakeware is made of pure aluminum which will never rust for a lifetime of durability.
- Foods bake and brown evenly due to aluminum’s superior heat conductivity. Reinforced encapsulated steel rim on half sheet pans prevents warping and adds strength.
- Compatible with parchment paper or silicone baking mats if desired. Easy clean up; hand wash recommended.
- This standard jelly roll pan is slightly smaller than our half sheet, exterior dimensions 11.3 x 15.8 x 1 inches and cooking surface 10.5 x 15 inches. Fits European sized ovens.
- Made in America of domestic and imported materials. Our aluminum bakeware-quality pieces are made to withstand a lifetime of use in your home kitchen.
- ULTIMATE BAKING VERSATILITY: Perfect for everything from cookies and bars to vegetables and meats, ensuring versatility in your kitchen.
- VERSATILE: Great for everyday baking, from whipping up cookies, bars, jelly rolls, and sheet cakes, to making easy one-pan weeknight meals
- EXTENDED HANDLES: provide a secure grip for easy transport, making transferring pan in and out of the oven safer and simpler, even when wearing pot holders
- EVEN BAKING: Aluminized steel construction promotes consistent heat distribution across the pan, allowing for evenly baked desserts and perfectly roasted dishes
- DISHWASHER SAFE: for easy cleanup
- Package Includes: One (1) Reynolds Kitchens Unbleached Parchment Paper Roll measuring 45 feet long by 12 inches wide (45 square feet total)
- Easy and Quick Cleanup: The 12-inch wide baking parchment paper easily lines most sheet pans and cookie sheets for easy clean-up
- Unbleached and Chlorine-Free: This unbleached parchment paper is made with 75% unbleached fibers and 0% chlorine bleaching
- Dependable, Non-Stick, and Versatile: Reynolds parchment paper can be used for cooking, baking, and in the microwave, and is oven-safe up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit
- Quality Parchment Paper: Reynolds parchment paper is your go-to solution for easy cooking and clean-up
- Parchment 90 Square feet Paper
- This package contains Amazon Basics parchment paper, 24 yards x 15 inches each roll
- Fits most baking pans: 15-inch width fits perfectly into most standard baking pans
- FSC-CERTIFIED BAKING PAPER (FSC N004130): Made with materials from well-managed forests, recycled materials, and/or other controlled wood sources
- Oven Safe to 425 degrees & NON-STICK: Cooking paper withstands 425 high oven temperatures and prevents food from sticking to the pan
