Strawberry Banana Chocolate Bars
Soft & Gooey Strawberry Banana Chocolate Bars (Naturally Sweetened + Dairy-Optional!)
If you love chocolate-covered strawberries, banana bread, or anything soft, gooey, and sweet, then these Strawberry Banana Chocolate Bars are about to become your new obsession.
They combine the flavor of ripe bananas, fresh strawberries, and melty chocolate into a soft, bakery-style dessert bar that feels indulgent but uses simple, wholesome ingredients like coconut sugar and maple syrup for sweetness.
These bars slice beautifully, pack well for snacking, and make a crowd-pleasing dessert without being overly rich or complicated.
They work as an afternoon snack, brunch treat, lunchbox dessert, or cozy weekend bake — and because they’re made in one pan, clean-up is nearly effortless.
In this post we’ll walk through everything you need to know: how to make them, substitution ideas, gluten-free options, storage tips, serving suggestions, and answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s get baking!
FAQs
Here are answers to common questions for baking success:
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but don’t thaw them first—add straight from the freezer to prevent color bleeding and excess moisture.
My bars seem mushy—are they undercooked?
These bars stay naturally soft due to fruit. If edges are golden and center is set, they’re done.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes! Use vegan butter and non-dairy milk. Chocolate chips should also be dairy-free.
Can I make them refined sugar-free?
Yes — simply use all maple syrup or swap coconut sugar for maple sugar.
What pan size do I use?
8x8 works best. 9x9 yields thinner bars and slightly quicker bake time.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes — replace ¼ cup flour with protein powder. You may need 1–2 extra tablespoons milk.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Banana Chocolate Bars
There are dozens of banana-based baked goods out there, but these bars bring something unique to the table:
Ultra moist + soft — Thanks to ripe bananas and butter.
Layered flavor — Chocolate + banana + strawberry = perfection.
Naturally sweetened — Coconut sugar + maple syrup make them less processed than traditional bars.
Portable & sliceable — No crumbling like banana bread muffins.
Kid and adult friendly — Great for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or dessert.
One-bowl recipe — Less time baking, more time eating!
If you’re tired of banana bread but always have bananas on the counter, this is your new go-to recipe.
Taste & Texture Breakdown
What do these bars taste like? In short: like a chocolate-covered strawberry banana bread hybrid — but softer and gooier.
Flavor: rich banana base with pops of strawberry and melty chocolate
Sweetness: moderate sweetness from maple & coconut sugar
Texture: soft, tender, moist, almost brownie-like in the center
Edges: slightly crisp and caramelized
If you love banana bread, brownies, and fruity desserts, this recipe delivers the best parts of all three.
Substitutions & Variations
One of the best things about these bars is how flexible the recipe is. Here are substitution ideas:
Butter Substitutions
Swap 1:1 with:
Vegan butter
Coconut oil (gives a hint of coconut flavor)
Olive oil (adds moisture, but flavor will be slightly different)
Milk Options
Works with:
Almond milk
Oat milk
Soy milk
Coconut milk
Dairy milk
Half-and-half for extra richness
Flour Substitutions
To make gluten-free:
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend
Avoid almond or coconut flour on their own — they won’t provide structure.
Sugar Swaps
Instead of coconut sugar, use:
Brown sugar
White sugar
Date sugar
Maple sugar
Fruit Variations
Try replacing strawberries with:
Raspberries
Blueberries
Blackberries
Chopped cherries
Diced peaches
Chocolate Options
Use whatever you love:
Dark chocolate chips
Milk chocolate chunks
White chocolate chips
Chocolate bar pieces
Mini chips for better distribution
You can also add nuts (walnuts, pecans, or pistachios) for crunch.
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Chocolate Bars
These bars are extremely versatile. Here are fun serving ideas:
Warm with ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry)
Chilled as a snack bar
With a cup of coffee or tea
As lunchbox dessert
Topped with whipped cream
Alongside a brunch board
Drizzled with melted chocolate
With Greek yogurt + honey for breakfast
They’re also an excellent potluck dessert because they travel well and don’t need refrigeration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s exactly what goes into these bars:
3 bananas
The riper, the better — speckled bananas add natural sweetness and moisture.4 tablespoons butter
Helps the bars bake soft and rich; can be swapped with vegan butter.¼ cup coconut sugar
Provides caramel-like flavor without refined white sugar.3 tablespoons maple syrup
Adds natural sweetness and enhances moisture.¼ cup milk
Any dairy or non-dairy milk works here.2 teaspoons baking powder
Helps the bars rise and stay fluffy.1 cup all-purpose flour
The structure of the bars — can sub gluten-free (details below).1 cup chocolate chips (can do more or less)
Use dark, semi-sweet, milk, or white chocolate depending on preference.½ cup chopped strawberries (can do more or less)
Fresh strawberries work best for juiciness and flavor.
These ingredients work together to create bars that are soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and studded with melty chocolate and bursts of fruit.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Chocolate Bars
These bars come together quickly and bake in under 30 minutes. Here’s how:
Mash the bananas.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.Add wet ingredients.
Mix in the melted butter, coconut sugar, maple syrup, and milk until well combined.Add dry ingredients.
Stir in the baking powder and flour until a smooth batter forms.Fold in chocolate & strawberries.
Gently stir in chocolate chips and chopped strawberries.Pour into a pan.
Spread the batter into a parchment-lined 8x8 baking dish.Bake.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–28 minutes or until lightly golden and set in the center.Cool & slice.
Allow to cool before slicing into squares for best texture.
