If you love the cozy aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with sweet bananas and bursts of melty chocolate, then this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is going to become your new go-to treat. It’s a wonderfully moist, tender loaf that balances rich chocolate chips with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, making every bite a comforting little celebration. Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a crowd-pleasing snack, this bread delivers on every level with its simple ingredients and unbeatable flavor.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread relies on a handful of humble staples, each playing a vital role in crafting its delightfully moist texture and rich flavor. From ripe bananas that naturally sweeten and tenderize, to the smooth melted butter that adds depth and moistness, every ingredient counts.

3 ripe bananas, mashed: The stars of the show, bringing natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds a rich buttery flavor and keeps the bread soft.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps create a lovely crusty top.
1 large egg, beaten: Binds everything together for structure and slight fluffiness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and complements the banana beautifully.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides the lift needed for a light, tender crumb.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together, creating the perfect bread texture.
1/2 cup chocolate chips: That melty, irresistible pop of chocolate in every bite!

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan generously or line it with parchment paper to ensure your bread comes out effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Combine Bananas and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, mix the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Using a wooden spoon or spatula here helps you get every bit of buttery goodness into the bananas, creating a luscious base for your batter.

Step 3: Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla

Next, stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly combined. This mixture is already starting to smell amazing and sets the tone for the final bread.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the banana mixture, stirring to blend completely. It’s important to avoid lumps here so the rising action is even and consistent throughout the loaf.

Step 5: Mix in the Flour

Gradually add the all-purpose flour, folding it into the wet ingredients carefully. Overmixing can toughen your bread, so stir just until the batter is smooth and blended.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips so that they’re evenly distributed without overworking the batter. This step guarantees little pockets of melted chocolate in every slice.

Step 7: Pour and Smooth the Batter

Pour your beautifully combined batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface, helping the bread bake evenly and rise nicely.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye towards the end – every oven bakes a little differently.

Step 9: Cool Before Slicing

Once out of the oven, let the bread cool in the pan for roughly 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to keep it from crumbling and to preserve that tender crumb.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Garnishes

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is fantastic on its own, but a light spread of butter or a drizzle of honey can add an extra touch of indulgence. For a fresh twist, sprinkle some chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For brunch, try it alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt, offering a balance of flavors and textures that lighten the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider cutting the bread into cubes and serving it as a sweet snack with cream cheese dip or tucked inside a dessert parfait with layers of whipped cream and berries. You can also toast slices briefly for a warm, crisp bite that’s perfect for spreading your favorite jam.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Chocolate Chip Banana Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it an easy snack to enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

For a freshly baked taste, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. This brings back that soft texture and melts the chocolate chips to perfection, making every bite feel just out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Absolutely! Brown sugar will add a slight molasses flavor and extra moisture, giving your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread a richer taste and denser texture.

What if I don’t have ripe bananas?

Ripe bananas are key for sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can speed up ripening by placing bananas in a paper bag for a day or two, or you can substitute with a bit of mashed pumpkin or applesauce for a different twist.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans adds a wonderful crunch and complements the chocolate and banana flavors perfectly. Fold about 1/2 cup of nuts into the batter before baking.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing after baking?

Definitely! After your bread cools completely, wrap it tightly and freeze. This way, you can enjoy fresh-tasting slices anytime by thawing and reheating as needed.

How can I make this bread vegan?

Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg. The bananas will still provide plenty of moisture and sweetness.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. It’s cozy, comforting, and packed with just the right amount of chocolatey goodness to brighten your day. Whenever you have ripe bananas on hand, this recipe is a delicious way to turn them into a crowd-pleasing favorite. I guarantee once you try it, it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: Harper
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe combines ripe bananas and rich chocolate chips for a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it’s a comforting treat that balances natural sweetness with chocolate indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Bread Base

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Add-ins

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.
Mix Bananas and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the mashed bananas using a wooden spoon or spatula until fully incorporated.
Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla: Stir in the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract into the banana mixture until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
Incorporate Baking Soda and Salt: Sprinkle the baking soda and a pinch of salt over the mixture, then stir thoroughly to eliminate lumps and distribute the leavening agents evenly.
Add Flour: Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour, stirring gently just until the batter is smooth. Avoid overmixing as this can toughen the bread.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Evenly fold the chocolate chips into the batter to distribute them throughout the loaf.
Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth the surface for even baking.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Oven times may vary, so start checking around 55 minutes.
Cool: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Using very ripe bananas enhances the sweetness and moisture of the bread.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
For a different flavor twist, try adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
Store the bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Chocolate chips can be substituted with chunks of your favorite chocolate for larger pockets of melted chocolate.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Baked Goods, Bread, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (about 70g)
Calories: 210
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: banana bread, chocolate chip banana bread, easy banana bread recipe, homemade banana bread, baked banana bread