DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BANANA BARS

Double Chocolate Banana Bars made with 5 bananas & double the chocolate for a tasty banana recipe that everyone enjoys. Not too sweet & perfect anytime!

Double Chocolate Banana Bars are a variation of our popular Chocolate Chip Banana Bars recipe. My family adores this version made with even more chocolate! Use whole wheat flour, coconut oil and even add spinach to make these delicious treats healthier. I like to serve these as an after-school snack, but they’re also perfect for breakfast and lunch. I make a pan and watch them disappear within a day- they’re THAT good!

If you cut the pan into 24 squares (which is a good sized square!) I calculate each square to be about 168 calories with 3 grams of protein. The bananas and spinach add some potassium and iron too, so overall, not a bad little treat! It’s a great banana recipe too- we seem to have really ripe bananas on hand once a month or so.

Much like a quick bread, these Double Chocolate Banana Bars do not need to be made with an electric mixer. Over-mixing will cause them to lose their fluffy texture. A simple mixing bowl and rubber scraper work just fine! I like to make these in my large jelly roll pan that has a lid, that way I can easily keep them fresh for several days while we enjoy them.

Double Chocolate Banana Bars

• 5-6 very ripe bananas (about 1 2/3 cup)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup canola oil (or coconut oil)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1 3/4 cup flour (can use whole wheat)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup finely chopped spinach leaves, if desired
• 1 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips*, divided

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 15×10.5″ pan with non-stick spray.
2. Peel bananas and mash well. Stir in brown sugar, oil, milk and eggs until combined.
3. Add in dry ingredients and stir. Fold in spinach, if desired, and 3/4 cup chocolate chips.
4. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and top with remaining chocolate chips.
5. Bake 18-22 minutes, until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
6. Cool completely and cut into squares.

Yields 24 bars.

I like to make a batch, then cool, cut and freeze in individual baggies. Since they’re filling, they make a wonderful snack, breakfast or school lunch addition.

If you love these Double Chocolate Banana Bars, make sure you try a few of our other favorite banana recipes:

• Chocolate Chip Banana Cake
• Peanut Butter Banana Bars
• Banana Cream Cheesecakes
• Banana Cream Cookies
• Cranberry Banana Bread
• Buttermilk Banana Cake