If you have a soft spot for warm, comforting baked goods, then this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s that perfect balance of sweet ripe bananas and melty chocolate chips, wrapped up in a moist, tender crumb that feels like a hug from the inside. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, dessert, or just because you crave a slice of pure happiness, this recipe nails everything you want in classic banana bread with an irresistible chocolate twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a distinct role, creating a deliciously moist texture, balanced sweetness, and lovely color that makes your loaf look homemade and inviting.
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas: The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness and moisture, plus that unmistakable banana flavor.
- 1/3 cup melted butter: Adds richness and helps keep the bread tender.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Sweetness that enhances flavor and aids the golden crust formation.
- 1 egg, beaten: Binds everything together and contributes to a soft crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings out the warm, sweet notes in the batter for extra depth.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This leavening agent gives the bread just enough rise and lightness.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens all the flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure builder that makes your banana bread sturdy but tender.
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Melts slightly for pockets of chocolate goodness throughout every slice.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread slides out easily once baked. This prep step is crucial because a little butter or parchment paper lining makes all the difference in a perfect loaf.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas and Add Butter
In a large mixing bowl, mash those ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. You want that creamy texture which forms the moist base of your bread. Then stir in the melted butter right away—the warmth helps meld flavors and enrich the batter beautifully.
Step 3: Mix in Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to your banana-butter mixture. Stir well until combined. This step introduces sweetness, richness, and aromatic warmth, setting up a perfectly balanced foundation that will please any palate.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the baking soda and pinch of salt over the wet ingredients before folding them in. Then add the all-purpose flour. Mix just until the batter comes together; over-mixing can make your banana bread tough, and we want that classic soft, tender crumb.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the cup of semisweet chocolate chips into the batter. Be careful not to overwork the dough here. Those pockets of melty chocolate will add bursts of sweetness and a fun texture contrast in every bite.
Step 6: Pour Batter and Smooth the Top
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared loaf pan, making sure to spread it out evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the top, giving you a nice uniform loaf that bakes evenly and looks perfect when sliced.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This golden hour ensures the bread is fully cooked inside with a delicate crust outside.
Step 8: Cool Before Slicing
Once out of the oven, let your banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps it set so slices won’t crumble. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Trust me, patience here pays off in neat, perfect slices every time.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate can make your banana bread look extra special. Fresh banana slices or a few extra chocolate chips on top right before baking also add a charming touch that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
Serve your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread alongside a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast. A scoop of vanilla ice cream turns it into a decadent dessert, while a cup of coffee or tea makes for a cozy breakfast combination.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice and toast your banana bread, then spread almond butter or Nutella on top. You could also cut into cubes and use as a base for bread pudding, or layer with berries and cream for a beautiful trifle. The possibilities are endless and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to lock in freshness. Stored at room temperature, it should stay moist and delightful for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or warm gently in the oven.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave in short bursts. A quick 15-20 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes at 300°F will make your banana bread soft and melty again.
FAQs
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! You can swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour can make the bread a little denser, so consider mixing half and half if you want to maintain lighter texture.
What if my bananas aren’t ripe enough?
For the best flavor, you want bananas that are very ripe with brown spots—they’re sweeter and softer. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple for a day or two.
Can I use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet?
Yes! Dark chocolate chips will add a richer, less sweet taste, while milk chocolate chips make the bread sweeter and creamier. Choose your favorite or mix them up for variety.
Why is my banana bread dense or gummy?
Over-mixing the batter or using too many unripe bananas can cause a dense or gummy texture. Mix just until combined and be sure to use ripe bananas for the best results.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut make great additions. Add about ½ cup along with the chocolate chips in Step 5 to incorporate extra flavor and crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe has become a treasured classic in my kitchen, and I hope it will find a special place in yours too. It’s simple, reliably delicious, and endlessly comforting—whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself. Give it a try and enjoy every warm, chocolaty bite!
Print
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 55m
- Total Time: 1h 10m
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bread made with ripe bananas, melted butter, and sweet semisweet chocolate chips. This classic baked good is perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, offering a rich banana flavor combined with melty chocolate bits.
Ingredients
Banana Bread Ingredients
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread does not stick during baking.
- Mash bananas and add butter: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas until well combined.
- Add sugar, egg, and vanilla: Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract with the banana and butter mixture, ensuring everything is blended well.
- Add dry ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture, then stir in. Add the all-purpose flour and mix just until combined—do not overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold the semisweet chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly without overworking the mix.
- Prepare to bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense loaf.
- Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness to prevent under or over baking.
- Store leftover banana bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Optional: add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
