Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a beloved twist on the classic banana bread recipe, offering the perfect marriage of ripe bananas and decadent chocolate chips.
This comforting and indulgent treat brings together the natural sweetness of bananas with the rich, melty goodness of chocolate, creating a loaf that’s irresistibly moist and flavorful.
Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or simply craving a warm, homemade snack, this recipe delivers a satisfying blend of soft, buttery crumb and pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite.
Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is ideal for breakfast, a mid-afternoon treat, or a sweet addition to any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Comforting and Indulgent
This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread combines the best of both worlds: the heartwarming aroma of freshly baked banana bread and the decadent satisfaction of chocolate.
The bananas create a moist and tender texture, while the chocolate chips melt beautifully throughout, adding bursts of sweetness with each bite.
It’s the kind of treat that makes you feel at home, offering a comforting balance of flavors that will appeal to anyone with a sweet tooth.
Great for All Occasions
No matter the occasion, this banana bread is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying it as part of a leisurely breakfast, packing it in a lunchbox, or serving it at a family gathering, its versatility shines.
It’s the perfect snack to pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or milk, and it also makes a thoughtful homemade gift when wrapped up in parchment paper and tied with a ribbon.
Plus, you can easily bake it ahead of time and store it for a few days, making it an excellent choice for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
Easy to Make
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly simple to prepare. You don’t need fancy kitchen gadgets or a lot of experience to bake this banana bread.
With just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a homemade loaf ready to enjoy in under an hour.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and perfect for bakers of all levels.
The best part? You can mix everything by hand, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that come together to produce a moist, flavorful loaf with a satisfying chocolatey twist.
- 3 ripe bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Overripe bananas work best for this recipe.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – A key base to give structure to the bread without overwhelming the banana flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – This helps the bread rise and achieve that light, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) – Adds richness and moisture to the bread.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the bread perfectly without making it too sugary. You can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- 2 large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients together while contributing to the loaf’s soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Brings depth to the flavor, complementing the bananas and chocolate.
- 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips – The star of the show! These melt into the bread, creating little pockets of sweetness.
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas
Peel your ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them until smooth, with just a few small lumps left for texture. The riper the bananas, the easier this step will be, and the sweeter your bread will taste.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the flour, ensuring your bread rises uniformly.
5. Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense bread. Stir just until the flour is incorporated.
6. Add the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you’d like to add walnuts or pecans, this is the time to fold them in as well.
7. Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the loaf loosely with foil to prevent burning.
8. Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy with a cup of coffee, or just as is!
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Use Overripe Bananas
For the best flavor and texture, use bananas that are as ripe as possible. Bananas with brown spots or even completely brown peels work best, as they are extra sweet and soft, making the bread more moist and flavorful.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Mix the ingredients just enough to combine them. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough banana bread. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine!
Adjust the Sweetness
If you prefer a less sweet banana bread, you can reduce the sugar slightly. The bananas themselves add a lot of natural sweetness, so it’s okay to adjust according to your preference.
Experiment with Add-Ins
Feel free to get creative with your add-ins. Besides chocolate chips, you can add chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a handful of shredded coconut for extra texture. If you want an extra chocolatey treat, try swirling in some cocoa powder or adding extra chocolate chips.
Check for Doneness
Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s essential to keep an eye on the bread as it bakes. After the 60-minute mark, test with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is ready. If it’s still wet, continue baking and check every 5 minutes.
Let It Cool Before Slicing
While the temptation to slice into a hot loaf is real, allow the banana bread to cool for a bit before cutting into it. This helps it set and prevents it from being too crumbly. It also makes slicing much easier.
Storing and Freezing Your Banana Bread
Storing Banana Bread
To keep your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. At room temperature, it will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If you live in a particularly hot or humid climate, it may only last for 1-2 days due to the moistness of the bread. For longer storage, consider placing it in the fridge, where it can last up to a week.
Freezing Banana Bread
Banana bread freezes beautifully, so if you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. Allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can also slice the bread before freezing, which makes it easy to grab individual slices whenever you need them. Banana bread will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight or let it come to room temperature before serving.
Pairing Suggestions
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages and toppings:
Coffee and Tea
A slice of warm banana bread with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea is the ultimate cozy pairing. The rich flavors of chocolate and banana complement the boldness of coffee, or the soothing qualities of herbal tea.
Nut Butter
Spread a bit of peanut butter, almond butter, or Nutella on a slice of banana bread for an extra indulgent treat. The creamy texture of nut butter pairs beautifully with the soft, sweet bread and chocolate chips.
Ice Cream or Whipped Cream
For an extra decadent dessert, top a slice of banana bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of warm bread with cold ice cream creates a delightful sensory experience.
Fresh Fruit
Serve banana bread alongside fresh berries or a sliced apple for a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the bread. The sweetness of fruit balances the richness of the chocolate chips and banana.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen bananas work wonderfully in this recipe. Simply thaw the bananas before using them, and mash them as usual. The extra moisture from frozen bananas will not affect the texture of the bread.
2. Can I make this recipe without chocolate chips?
Absolutely! If you prefer a more traditional banana bread, you can skip the chocolate chips and add nuts like walnuts or pecans instead. Or, you can leave it plain for a classic banana bread.
3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but note that it will result in a denser bread. You may want to start by replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and see how it turns out.
4. Can I add other mix-ins, like dried fruit or coconut?
Definitely! This recipe is versatile, and you can add dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, or shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure not to overload the batter with too many add-ins, as it could affect the bread’s consistency.
5. How can I make the banana bread less sweet?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe. You can try using only 1/2 cup of sugar or substituting with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit.
Conclusion
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a delicious and versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
With its moist texture, rich banana flavor, and bursts of melty chocolate, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Whether you’re enjoying it as a breakfast snack, an afternoon indulgence, or a thoughtful gift, this banana bread will always hit the spot.
Plus, with its easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you can have this warm, comforting loaf ready to enjoy in no time.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan (1)
- Large mixing bowl (1)
- Medium mixing bowl (1)
- Whisk or electric mixer (1)
- Spatula or wooden spoon (1)
- Measuring cups and spoons (1 set)
- Toothpick (1, for testing doneness)
- Parchment paper (optional, for lining the pan)
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas peeled
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 240g
- 1 teaspoon baking soda 5g
- 1/2 teaspoon salt 2.5g
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened, 113g
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar 150g
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5ml
- 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips 170g
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans 60g
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mash the Bananas:
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth, leaving a few small lumps for texture.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add the Chocolate Chips:
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and any optional add-ins like walnuts or pecans.
Bake the Bread:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve!
Notes
Recipe Notes
- Bananas: Overripe bananas, with brown spots on the peel, work best for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal, but you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if preferred. Feel free to mix different types of chips for variety.
- Storage: Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bread for up to 3 months.
- Add-ins: You can add up to 1/2 cup of walnuts, pecans, or dried fruit to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Make it Healthier: To reduce the sugar content, you can substitute half the sugar with brown sugar or use a sugar substitute. For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat flour.
