If you’re looking for a crave-worthy treat that’s naturally sweetened and sneakily nutritious, these Dark Chocolate Greek Yogurt Banana Snack Bars deserve top billing in your kitchen. Each bite manages to hit all the best notes: a luscious banana base, creamy tang from Greek yogurt, oozy pockets of dark chocolate, and comforting warmth from cinnamon. Whether enjoyed as an after-school snack or a satisfying breakfast, these bars will quickly become your go-to treat for just about any occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but impactful, with wholesome ingredients that pack robust flavor and hearty texture. Every item on this list plays its part, contributing either creaminess, sweetness, structure, or irresistible chocolatey goodness.
- Ripe bananas: The sweeter the better! Overripe bananas bring moisture and natural sweetness, making these bars extra tender.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds protein and a slight tang, creating a lovely soft crumb.
- Honey or maple syrup: Delivers natural sweetness and helps keep the bars moist.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors, lending vanilla warmth throughout each bite.
- Egg: Binds everything together while adding a bit of richness.
- Old-fashioned oats: Contributes chew and heartiness, giving the bars a snack-worthy texture.
- Whole wheat flour: Adds fiber, structure, and a slightly nutty flavor.
- Baking soda: For a just-right lift and pleasant texture.
- Cinnamon: Pairs beautifully with banana and chocolate for a comforting, cozy flavor.
- Salt: A tiny amount to balance the sweetness and intensify the chocolate.
- Dark chocolate chips or chunks: The star ingredient! Deep, rich, and just the right amount of indulgence.
- Optional — extra banana slices or chocolate for topping: For those who love a show-stopping finish or want to amp up the banana vibes.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Greek Yogurt Banana Snack Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To guarantee easy removal of your bars, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a little hang over the sides for lifting later. Alternatively, a light coating of nonstick spray does the trick if parchment isn’t your style.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until mostly smooth, leaving a few small bits for character. Add in the Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and egg. Stir everything together until you have a silky, creamy mixture that smells heavenly.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt right on top of your wet mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to mix just until the dry streaks disappear—no need to over-mix, as we want our bars nice and tender!
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate
Pour in those dark chocolate chips or chunks, gently folding them through the batter. Each scoop should deliver a little hit of gooey, antioxidant-rich chocolate in every bar.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. For extra pizzazz, add a few slices of banana or scatter more chocolate chips on top—it creates an irresistible look (and even more chocolatey bites).
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the center of your preheated oven for 22 to 26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should be lightly golden and your kitchen will smell utterly divine.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let your Dark Chocolate Greek Yogurt Banana Snack Bars cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes (if you can wait!). Lift them out using the parchment, then slice into nine delightful squares. Try to resist sampling more than one… at least for now!
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Greek Yogurt Banana Snack Bars
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the melted chocolate chips adds a gourmet touch, or try a light dusting of cinnamon for visual warmth. Some extra banana slices can be pressed into the top right before baking, making the bars look bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair a bar with a glass of cold milk or your favorite dairy-free alternative for a classic combo. If you’re treating yourself at breakfast, add a scoop of extra Greek yogurt or a handful of fresh berries for a complete and nourishing plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Dark Chocolate Greek Yogurt Banana Snack Bars into bite-sized cubes for a party platter, or layer them in a parfait glass with Greek yogurt and extra banana for a showstopping dessert. These also make a thoughtful gift, individually wrapped in parchment and tied with twine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and moist for up to five days, making them a fantastic grab-and-go snack all week long.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the bars! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
If you like your bars just a little warm and melty, give one a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings the banana aroma and chocolate flavor right back to life, making each bite extra dreamy.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt adds extra creaminess and protein, but if you only have plain regular yogurt, you can use it in a pinch. The bars may be a bit softer, so consider reducing the yogurt amount just slightly to keep the texture firm.
Can I make these Dark Chocolate Greek Yogurt Banana Snack Bars vegan?
Absolutely! Swap in dairy-free yogurt, use maple syrup, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit until thickened). Be sure your chocolate is vegan as well, and you’ll have a delicious plant-based snack.
What’s the best way to mash bananas for this recipe?
Use a sturdy fork or a potato masher to get the bananas mostly smooth, leaving a few small bits for added texture. Overripe bananas are easiest to mash and will supply the deepest flavor and sweetness.
Why do you recommend whole wheat flour?
Whole wheat flour brings a lovely nutty flavor and added fiber that makes the bars more satisfying. If you prefer all-purpose flour, feel free to substitute—you’ll still get tender, tasty results.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to these bars?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a handful of dried cranberries are fabulous additions for crunch or a tart contrast to the chocolate. Fold them in with the chocolate chips for your own signature snack bar.
Final Thoughts
Once you bake a batch of these Dark Chocolate Greek Yogurt Banana Snack Bars, you’ll see how endlessly versatile and crowd-pleasing they are. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prepper, or just a chocolate-banana fan, this wholesome treat finds its way into routines and hearts alike. Don’t wait—get your bananas ripening and treat yourself to homemade goodness today!
Print
Dark Chocolate Greek Yogurt Banana Snack Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious Dark Chocolate Greek Yogurt Banana Snack Bars that are perfect for a quick energy boost or satisfying your sweet cravings. These bars are packed with wholesome ingredients and a hint of chocolate for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
- Optional: extra banana slices or chocolate for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until just combined.
- Include chocolate: Fold in dark chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, top with extra slices/chocolate if desired, and bake for 22–26 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and slice: Let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing into bars.
- Storage: Store in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- You can use mini chocolate chips for better distribution.
- For added protein, mix in 1–2 tablespoons of chia seeds or flaxseed meal.
- Bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
