Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful, and comforting quick bread that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich indulgence of chocolate chips. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, this bread is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of bananas, butter, and chocolate chips creates a tender crumb with pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.

This recipe is ideal for using overripe bananas, turning what might be considered kitchen scraps into a delicious, aromatic treat. The sweet aroma while baking fills the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia, making it a comforting recipe to enjoy with family and friends. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is versatile, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion, from casual weekday breakfasts to potluck gatherings.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it turns overripe bananas into a sweet, moist bread that’s both comforting and indulgent. The addition of chocolate chips makes it feel like a special treat, while still being simple enough for a weekday bake.

The texture is tender but firm, the chocolate chips add delightful bursts of sweetness, and the natural banana flavor shines through. This bread is forgiving, adaptable, and consistently delicious, making it a go-to recipe for using up extra bananas.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a must-try because it combines convenience, flavor, and comfort in a single recipe. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers rich banana flavor with sweet chocolate bursts.

It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert. Everyone loves banana bread, and adding chocolate chips elevates it into a treat that feels indulgent while still being wholesome and satisfying.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 55–60 minutes
Total Time: 70–75 minutes
Servings: 10–12 slices
Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
Cuisine: American / Baked Goods
Calories: Approximately 280–320 calories per slice

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
5. Stir in sour cream or yogurt until fully incorporated.
6. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Fold in chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top if desired.
8. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream
Add sour cream or yogurt and mix until fully combined.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 7: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in chocolate chips gently. Reserve a few to sprinkle on top if desired.

Step 8: Bake
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

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How to Serve

Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bread sliced on its own, toasted with butter, or spread with peanut butter or cream cheese. It pairs well with coffee, tea, or milk for a satisfying breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Recipe Tips

Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
Test for doneness with a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Add extra chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for variation.
Store completely cooled bread to prevent sogginess.

Variations

Nutty Banana Bread: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Peanut Butter Banana Bread: Swirl ¼ cup peanut butter into the batter before baking.
Double Chocolate Banana Bread: Replace ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder and increase chocolate chips to 1 ¼ cups.
Vegan Banana Bread: Use flax eggs and plant-based butter or oil instead of dairy ingredients.
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread: Add a cinnamon-sugar swirl in the middle of the batter for extra flavor.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigerator: Store wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before slicing and serving.

Special Equipment Needed

9×5-inch loaf pan
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Wire rack
Hand mixer or stand mixer (optional)
Spatula

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful, and comforting quick bread that is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Combining ripe bananas, tender crumb, and sweet chocolate chips, this bread is simple to prepare and always a hit. Its versatility allows for endless variations, and it’s a delicious way to use up overripe bananas. Easy to bake, flavorful, and satisfying, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a must-try recipe for anyone who enjoys classic homemade baked goods.