Few things in life are as comforting as a warm slice of chocolate chip banana bread straight from the oven. The aroma of sweet, caramelized bananas combined with melty chocolate chips fills the kitchen, creating an irresistible treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
Banana bread is already a household favorite, but when you add chocolate chips into the mix, it transforms into a rich and indulgent delight. The contrast between the sweet bananas and the deep, velvety chocolate makes this bread simply unforgettable.
Whether you’re looking for a way to use up overripe bananas or craving a moist and tender baked good, this chocolate chip banana bread recipe is the perfect choice. It’s easy to make, requires simple pantry ingredients, and can be customized to fit your taste. Plus, the combination of fiber-rich bananas and antioxidant-packed dark chocolate means you get a treat that’s both satisfying and a little bit nutritious!
If you love traditional banana bread but want to take it to the next level, you’ll absolutely adore this recipe. The rich flavor, soft texture, and gooey chocolate bits in every bite make it the ultimate comfort food. So grab your bananas, and let’s get baking!
Table of contents
Recipe Card
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Difficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes50
minutes250
kcalThis chocolate chip banana bread recipe combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the richness of chocolate chips, creating a moist and delicious treat perfect for any time of the day.
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas
⅓ cup melted butter
½ cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup mini chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Stir in the melted butter.
- Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the baking soda and salt, then mix in the flour until the batter is smooth.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and top with additional chocolate chips.
- Bake for 50 minutes to an hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- You can substitute the mini chocolate chips with regular-sized ones if preferred.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Why This Recipe Works
This chocolate chip banana bread recipe stands out from the rest because of its perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease of preparation. Here’s what makes this recipe so special:
1. Perfectly Moist Texture
The key to great banana bread is achieving that moist, tender crumb without being too dense or too dry. This recipe uses:
- Overripe bananas – The natural sugars in brown, spotty bananas add extra sweetness and moisture.
- A combination of butter and oil – Butter adds richness, while oil ensures the bread stays soft even after a few days.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream – A little bit of dairy adds a tangy depth and contributes to the softness.
2. The Best Banana Flavor
Ripe bananas develop deep, caramel-like notes, which pair perfectly with the warm flavors of vanilla and cinnamon in this recipe. To enhance the banana flavor even more, we:
- Use extra-ripe bananas for maximum sweetness.
- Add a touch of vanilla extract to complement the banana flavor.
- Mix in a pinch of cinnamon for a subtle warmth that enhances the overall taste.
3. Chocolate in Every Bite
The key to getting gooey chocolate in every bite is using the right chocolate chips. You can use:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balanced sweetness.
- Dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter, creamier bite.
To prevent all the chocolate from sinking to the bottom, we toss the chips in a little bit of flour before folding them into the batter.
4. Foolproof and Easy to Make
This chocolate chip banana bread requires only one bowl and simple ingredients you likely already have at home. With just a few mixing steps and a little baking time, you’ll have a delicious homemade treat without needing any special baking skills.
5. Customization Options
One of the best parts of this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily make it suit different dietary needs or preferences by:
- Making it dairy-free – Use coconut oil instead of butter and swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt.
- Adding nuts – Walnuts or pecans add a delicious crunch.
- Using whole wheat flour – Substitute half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a healthier twist.
- Reducing sugar – The bananas add natural sweetness, so you can cut down on added sugar if desired.
- Turning it into muffins – Instead of a loaf, divide the batter into a muffin tin for individual portions.
This recipe is truly adaptable, allowing you to create a version that fits your taste and lifestyle.
Additional Tips for the perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature for a smoother batter in your chocolate chip banana bread recipe.
- Banana Consistency: Mash the bananas until they reach a chunky applesauce consistency for the best texture in your banana bread.
- Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet chocolate chips to balance the sweetness of the bananas in this banana bread recipe with chocolate chips.
- Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the banana bread with chocolate chips recipe tender.
- Baking Time: Check the bread at the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking your bread.
- Banana Ripeness: For the best flavor in your banana bread, use bananas that are very ripe with brown spots.
- Chocolate Distribution: Toss the chocolate chips in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This prevent them from sinking to the bottom of your banana bread.
- Pan Preparation: Grease your loaf pan well or line it with parchment paper. That ensure your banana bread with chocolate chips recipe comes out easily.
FAQ
Yes, frozen bananas work great in banana bread. Just thaw them before mashing, and be sure to drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter. Frozen bananas can make the bread even more moist.
Yes, you can make eggless banana bread by using egg substitutes like flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). Or a mashed avocado for added moisture.
To prevent the chocolate chips from sinking, toss them in a little bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended in the bread as it bakes.
Final Thoughts
This chocolate chip banana bread recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, moist, and chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weekend breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet treat to share with loved ones, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of ripe bananas, melty chocolate chips, and just the right amount of sweetness makes it irresistibly delicious.
What makes this banana bread truly special is its versatility. You can customize it with nuts, make it gluten-free, or even add a touch of cinnamon for extra warmth. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make—no complicated techniques required!
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy other comforting and delicious baked goods like this simple banana bread recipe or this banana bread recipe with cake mix, which offers an easy twist on classic banana bread, or try a different variation with blueberry banana nut bread for a fruity upgrade. And if you’re in the mood for something even more indulgent, check out this chocolate pound cake recipe for a rich, chocolatey dessert.
Baking is all about experimenting and making recipes your own. Don’t be afraid to try different variations, play with add-ins, and enjoy the process. Next time you have ripe bananas sitting on your counter, you know exactly what to do—bake up a batch of this delightful chocolate chip banana bread and enjoy every bite!
What’s Next?
Looking for more sweet treats? Check out this Bisquick strawberry shortcake recipe for a quick and easy dessert, or go for a classic pancake recipe no milk if you’re in the mood for a breakfast favorite.
Happy baking, and enjoy every warm, chocolatey bite!
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