Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
There’s something absolutely magical about treats that don’t require a pantry full of ingredients or complicated techniques, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in these Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars. Chewy, gooey, and rich with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the decadent flavor of chocolate chips, this is an irresistible recipe that feels every bit as indulgent as your favorite bakery dessert, yet wholesome enough for an anytime snack. The best part? You don’t need any flour at all, making these bars perfect for gluten-free lovers and anyone who craves a quick, crowd-pleasing homemade delight. Let’s dive into your next baking obsession!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’re about to be amazed at how just a few everyday ingredients can create such a lusciously tender bar. Each ingredient plays a vital role in the taste and texture, ensuring your Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars are moist, flavorful, and seriously satisfying.
- Bananas: Overripe bananas are key! They add natural sweetness, moisture, and that classic banana bread taste.
- Peanut Butter: Opt for all-natural, creamy peanut butter at room temperature for easy mixing and rich flavor.
- Almond Flour: This adds structure and a subtle nutty undertone, keeping the bars gluten-free and tender.
- Maple Syrup (or Honey): Sweetens the bars while keeping them moist; use pure maple syrup for a hint of caramel richness.
- Egg: Just one egg acts as the binding agent, giving the bars the perfect chewy crumb.
- Cinnamon: A teaspoon adds warmth and depth, complementing the banana and peanut butter beautifully.
- Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and gives them a delicate, airy lift.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and heighten all the flavors.
- Chocolate Chips: The star mix-in—fold some in, sprinkle more on top, and enjoy melty, chocolatey bites in every square.
How to Make Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderate temperature ensures the bars bake gently, retaining their moisture. Line an 8×8-inch brownie pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. This simple step makes cleanup a breeze and guarantees your bars won’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Mash and Mix
Grab a large mixing bowl and mash your ripe bananas until they’re mostly smooth—some little lumps are perfectly fine and add to the texture. Add the peanut butter, almond flour, maple syrup, egg, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt directly into the bowl with the bananas. Mix everything together gently until just combined; overmixing can make the bars dense.
Step 3: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Now comes the best part: chocolate chips! Gently fold in half a cup of chocolate chips. Their sweet, melty pockets of goodness are exactly what make these Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars absolutely crave-worthy. If you’re feeling extra, add a few more on top before baking!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips over the surface for a drool-worthy finish. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean—just a little moist crumb is perfect.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Patience pays off here! Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This ensures they hold their shape when you slice them. For the ultimate texture and flavor, cover and let them rest overnight in the pan (or in a container). Come morning, you’ll be greeted with perfectly tender, sliceable bars that hold together beautifully.
How to Serve Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars
Garnishes
Dress up your bars with a drizzle of melted peanut butter, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a dusting of cinnamon. A few extra chocolate chips on top never hurt anyone—sometimes, that little bit of extra gooey chocolate makes the treat even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars with a tall glass of cold milk, a warm mug of coffee, or a swirl of vanilla Greek yogurt on the side. They also make a tasty addition to a brunch spread alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your bars into a decadent dessert by serving them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Or, cut them into small squares and stack them for a playful twist on brownies at a party. For lunchboxes or snacks on the go, wrap each bar individually for a quick and nourishing treat anytime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After slicing, store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay soft and chewy, perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on the fly. If your kitchen runs warm, you can also keep them in the fridge for added freshness.
Freezing
Yes, these bars freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment or wax paper. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature or in the fridge whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
If you prefer your Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars warm and gooey, pop one in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This quick reheat brings those chocolate chips back to melty perfection and makes every bite extra comforting.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut butter?
Absolutely! While peanut butter gives classic flavor, almond butter or cashew butter work well too. Just make sure whatever you use is natural and creamy for the best texture.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, you can swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use vegan chocolate chips. The bars may be a bit more tender but still absolutely delicious!
What’s the best way to ripen bananas quickly?
If your bananas aren’t ripe, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes until the skins are blackened and the fruit is soft. Let them cool before using.
Do I have to use almond flour?
Almond flour gives the bars a moist, tender crumb while keeping them flourless, but you can try using oat flour for a slightly different texture if you prefer. Avoid regular wheat flour to keep the recipe gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to adjust the baking time by a few extra minutes, so keep a close eye on them near the end.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fuss-free, wholesome treat that never fails to satisfy, look no further than Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars. There’s just something about the fluffy texture, gooey banana-chocolate goodness, and toasty peanut butter flavor that makes these bars positively addictive. Give them a try—your taste buds (and friends and family) will thank you!
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Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars, a gluten-free and naturally sweetened treat that is perfect for snacking or dessert.
Ingredients
Banana Mixture:
- 2 ripe bananas
Peanut Butter Mixture:
- 1 cup peanut butter (all natural, room temp.)
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- pinch of salt
Chocolate Chips:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8″ brownie pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Add peanut butter, almond flour, maple syrup, egg, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.
- Bake: Transfer the batter to the pan and top with additional chocolate chips. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Allow to cool completely before slicing. For best results, let them sit overnight in a container before slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Flourless, Peanut Butter, Banana, Chocolate Chip, Bars, Gluten-Free, Dessert, Snack
