Transform your forgotten overripe bananas into an irresistible, chocolaty delight with these amazing Chocolate Banana Bars. Packed with the goodness of ripe bananas, rich chocolate chips, wholesome All-Bran Cereal, and crunchy walnuts, these dessert bars are generously frosted with a decadent chocolate topping. The best part? Each serving is a surprisingly light indulgence, averaging around 155 calories. Say goodbye to chocolate cravings the smart way!
Chocolate Banana Bars: The Ultimate Solution for Ripe Bananas
Have you ever found yourself staring at a bunch of overly ripe bananas on your kitchen counter, wondering what to do with them? Those dark, speckled beauties are practically calling out, begging to be transformed into something truly special. Instead of letting them go to waste, or simply defaulting to the same old banana bread, let’s turn them into these utterly scrumptious Chocolate Banana Bars!
It’s a common dilemma: you buy bananas, they ripen quickly, and suddenly you have a handful of brown, soft fruit. While banana bread is a classic choice, it’s certainly not the only delicious option available. In fact, there’s a whole world of possibilities awaiting those perfectly ripe bananas, and these chocolatey bars are a fantastic place to start.
And speaking of those brown bananas – please, don’t ever toss them! They are a precious commodity in the baking world. If you’re not ready to bake right away, simply freeze them. Frozen ripe bananas are perfect for later baking projects or for adding natural sweetness and creaminess to your favorite smoothies. They’re an excellent way to reduce food waste and always have ingredients on hand for a quick treat.
A Delightful Dessert Bar with a Healthier Twist
If you’re searching for a sweet indulgence that offers a little something extra, these Chocolate Banana Bars hit all the right notes. They provide a satisfying answer to the age-old question, “What can I make with these ripe bananas?” This recipe strikes a wonderful balance, delivering rich flavor without excessive guilt.
This particular recipe was first shared as a guest post on my friend Debra’s popular blog, Bowl Me Over. When she asked for a sweet recipe, I knew these Chocolate Banana Bars would be the perfect fit – combining beloved flavors with a thoughtful, wholesome touch. They are truly a crowd-pleaser that satisfies various cravings.
The Secret Ingredient: All-Bran Cereal for Added Goodness
One of the most surprising and beneficial ingredients in these gooey, chocolate-chip-studded banana bars is Kellogg’s All-Bran Cereal. What makes it a secret? Once baked, you won’t taste a trace of cereal in the final product. It simply melts into the batter, leaving behind all its incredible benefits without altering the delicious texture or flavor. This ingenious addition allows you to enjoy a decadent dessert while subtly boosting its nutritional profile.
While fiber might not be the most glamorous topic at the dinner table, it’s undeniably crucial for our overall health. Unfortunately, many of us don’t consume the recommended daily amount. Incorporating more fiber into your diet offers a multitude of health advantages. It can actively help in lowering cholesterol levels, regulating blood sugar, promoting excellent digestive health, and even contributing to a feeling of fullness that can assist with weight management. By adding All-Bran cereal, these bars become a delicious vehicle for this essential nutrient.
It’s important to clarify: I’m not claiming these Chocolate Banana Bars are a health food, nor am I suggesting they’re a substitute for a balanced meal. They are, at heart, a rich and satisfying dessert. However, the inclusion of All-Bran Cereal, alongside the natural goodness of ripe bananas, undeniably adds a valuable nutritional layer. You get to indulge your sweet tooth and chocolate cravings, all while sneaking in a little extra fiber – making these a truly “better for you” treat.
Essential Ingredients for Your Chocolate Banana Bars
The beauty of this Chocolate Banana Bar recipe lies in its simplicity and the common availability of most ingredients. Chances are, many of the items you’ll need are already staples in your pantry. The only ingredient you might need to pick up specifically is the All-Bran Cereal, which is an easy find at any grocery store. Gather these basic components, and you’ll be well on your way to baking a batch of these delightful bars:
Your Shopping List:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder and baking soda
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Granulated sugar and powdered sugar (for the frosting)
- Pure vanilla extract
- Unsalted butter
- Large egg
- Milk
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (for both bars and frosting)
- Perfectly ripe bananas, mashed
- Kellogg’s All-Bran Cereal
- Chopped walnuts (optional, but highly recommended for texture)
*For precise measurements and the full printable recipe, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Simple Steps to Bake Irresistible Chocolate Banana Bars
Creating these delectable chocolate banana bars, complete with their luscious chocolate frosting, is surprisingly quick and straightforward. You’ll primarily need a stand mixer or a hand mixer, a large mixing bowl, a rubber spatula, a sifter or a fine-mesh strainer, and a 9×13-inch baking dish. Follow these easy steps to bake your perfect batch of bars:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing or spraying a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, using your mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and the large egg until light and fluffy.
- Carefully fold in your mashed ripe bananas, ensuring they are well incorporated into the wet mixture.
- Next, stir in the All-Bran Cereal. As it bakes, it will soften and blend seamlessly into the bars, adding its fiber without detection.
- Gently melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, then add them to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Sifting helps to aerate the dry ingredients and prevent lumps.
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can lead to tough bars.
- Finally, gently fold in the chopped walnuts (if using). This adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Pour the batter evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Use your spatula to spread it smoothly to the edges.
- Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should be golden brown and set.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This is crucial for easy frosting and neat cuts.
Crafting the Irresistible Chocolate Frosting
No Chocolate Banana Bar is complete without a generous layer of rich, smooth chocolate frosting. This decadent topping perfectly complements the moist, flavorful bars beneath. The frosting comes together quickly and easily while your bars are cooling.
- Ensure your chocolate banana bars are completely cooled in the pan before you begin making the frosting. Attempting to frost warm bars will result in a messy, melted frosting.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt the butter and 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips together. Stir frequently until smooth and fully combined.
- Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, a pinch of salt, and the vanilla extract. Continue whisking until the frosting is silky smooth and free of any lumps. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, a bit more powdered sugar.
- Once the frosting reaches your desired consistency, carefully spread it evenly over the cooled banana bars in the pan. You can use an offset spatula for a professional finish.
- Allow the frosting to set slightly (you can pop them in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to speed this up).
- Using a sharp knife, cut the frosted bars into 32 squares. For cleaner cuts, wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between each slice.
Loved These Bars? Pin Them for Later!
If these Chocolate Banana Bars have captured your heart and taste buds, make sure to save this recipe! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board so you can easily find it whenever a craving strikes or those ripe bananas call your name again. Share the deliciousness with your friends and family!
Expert Tips, FAQs, and Delicious Variations for Your Chocolate Banana Bars
While baking can feel like a precise science, there’s always room for personal touches and smart modifications. Don’t hesitate to adapt this Chocolate Banana Bar recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some insights to help you perfect your batch and make it truly your own:
Essential Baking Tips:
- Perfect for Potlucks and Parties: These bars are incredibly popular for gatherings. If you’re serving them where allergies might be a concern, consider omitting the walnuts entirely. Alternatively, to clearly signal the presence of nuts, you can place a single walnut half on top of each frosted bar, just as I sometimes do.
- Achieving Clean Cuts: Due to their wonderfully moist texture, these bars are easiest to cut neatly when chilled. After frosting, place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) before slicing. A warm, sharp knife also helps prevent sticking.
- Why Ripe Bananas? The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful it will be, adding natural moisture and a deeper banana essence to your bars. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher bars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- How do I store ripe bananas if I’m not ready to bake? It’s incredibly easy! I’ve even written a dedicated post on the subject: “How to Freeze Ripe Bananas.” This ensures you’ll always have perfectly ripe bananas ready for these chocolate banana bars or any other favorite banana recipes.
- Can these Chocolate Banana Bars be frozen? Absolutely! These bars freeze beautifully. For best results, I’d suggest waiting to add any decorative walnut halves until you’re ready to thaw and serve them. Simply store the cut bars in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm for a few seconds in the microwave.
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can! Substituting whole wheat flour can boost the fiber content even further. However, whole wheat flour can sometimes make baked goods denser. I recommend starting by swapping out 1/2 to 2/3 of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to ensure the bars retain their desirable texture. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly.
Delicious Recipe Variations:
- Healthier Flour Options: As mentioned, incorporating some whole wheat flour is a great way to subtly enhance the nutritional value of these already “better for you” bars.
- Nutty Alternatives: Not a fan of walnuts? Feel free to substitute them with chopped pecans, almonds, or even peanuts for a different flavor profile. For a nut-free version, simply omit them entirely.
- Chocolate Choice: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips! Milk chocolate chips will yield a sweeter bar, while bittersweet chocolate will appeal to those who, like me, adore a deeper, darker chocolate intensity. White chocolate chips could also add a unique twist.
- Frosting Fantasies: Get creative with your frosting! While the chocolate frosting is classic, these bars would also be delightful with a tangy cream cheese frosting, a rich peanut butter frosting, or even a simple vanilla buttercream for a delightful change.
- Add-ins: Consider adding a handful of dried cranberries or raisins for extra chewiness and a touch of fruitiness.
More Incredible Recipes Featuring Ripe Bananas
Bananas are truly one of the most versatile fruits, especially when they reach that perfect stage of ripeness. Their natural sweetness and moist texture make them a dream ingredient for baking and beyond. If you love baking with bananas as much as I do, you’ll be thrilled with this collection of other fantastic recipes that put those ripe beauties to good use:
- The BEST Banana Bread: A timeless classic perfected for ultimate moistness and flavor.
- Banana Bread Coffee Cake: The comforting flavors of banana bread in a delightful coffee cake format, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Chocolate Orange Banana Bread: A unique and zesty twist on traditional banana bread, combining rich chocolate with bright orange notes.
- Banana Bread Pancakes: Start your day with the taste of banana bread in fluffy, irresistible pancakes.
- Nutty Monkey Smoothie (Shown Above): A creamy, satisfying smoothie that can also be transformed into a fun cocktail for adults!
- Chocolate Banana Cake: A truly decadent cake that marries the rich flavors of chocolate and ripe bananas.
- Blueberry Banana Bundt Cake with Blueberry Buttercream Icing: A stunning and flavorful bundt cake, perfect for special occasions.
This particular recipe for Chocolate Banana Bars comes from a truly cherished, old cookbook titled “Cooking with Love and Cereal,” gifted to me by my dear friend, Gail. It’s a wonderful collection that proves how versatile and delicious incorporating cereals into your baking can be!
I sincerely hope you and your loved ones enjoy making and savoring this Chocolate Banana Bar recipe as much as my family and I do. Happy baking!
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Print Recipe
Chocolate Banana Bars
Equipment
- 9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
- Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
- KitchenAid Hand Mixer
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 ripe bananas mashed (1 cup)
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup Kellogg’s All Bran Cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips melted
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts plus a few more to garnish
For the Frosting
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
- Spray a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter, egg, sugar and mashed bananas.
- Mix in All-Bran Cereal and then melted chocolate.
- Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon into the wet mixture.
- Add milk. Mix to combine until just blended.
- Fold in walnuts.
- Spread into prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- To prepare the frosting: Melt butter and chocolate chips together. Stir in powdered sugar, milk, salt and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread frosting evenly on cooled bars.
- Once frosting is set, cut into 32 squares.