### Chocolate Chip Banana Bars Recipe

**Description:**
Delight in these moist and fluffy Chocolate Chip Banana Bars, made with ripe bananas, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and optional walnuts. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!

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#### Ingredients:
– **3 ripe bananas**, mashed
– **1/2 cup unsalted butter**, melted
– **1 cup granulated sugar**
– **1 large egg**
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**
– **1 teaspoon baking soda**
– **1/4 teaspoon salt**
– **1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour**
– **1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips**
– **1/2 cup chopped walnuts** (optional)

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#### Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. **Prepare the Baking Pan**: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.

3. **Mash the Bananas**: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth (about 1 1/2 cups).

4. **Mix in the Wet Ingredients**: Add melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well. Stir in granulated sugar, then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

5. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together baking soda, salt, and flour.

6. **Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

7. **Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts**: Gently fold in chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).

8. **Pour the Batter into the Pan**: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

9. **Bake the Bars**: Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

10. **Cool the Bars**: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. **Cut the Bars**: Once cool, cut into squares or rectangles.

12. **Serve and Enjoy**: Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

13. **Storage**: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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#### Notes:
– For added flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
– Feel free to substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or dried fruit.
– To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend.

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**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Yield:** 12-16 bars