Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

Soft Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe Everyone Loves

Warm, golden banana bread with chocolate chip magic delights every home baker craving a comforting treat.

Sweet ripe bananas blend seamlessly with rich chocolate chips in this simple recipe.

The kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone closer.

Soft, moist, and packed with flavor, this bread becomes an instant favorite for breakfast or afternoon snacking.

chocolate and banana create a perfect harmony that feels like a warm hug.

You’ll love how effortlessly these ingredients come together in one delightful loaf.

Bake this bread and watch smiles spread across faces eager to taste its delicious charm.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Core Ingredients:
  • Bananas: Soft, overripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
  • Butter: Creates a rich and tender texture in the banana bread.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and help with caramelization and moisture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the bread.
  • Flour: The primary dry ingredient that forms the base of the bread.
Leavening Agents:
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the bread rise and create a light, soft texture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Chips: Provide bursts of sweet chocolate throughout the bread.
Seasoning:
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F and get your loaf pan ready.

Grease the pan with a light coating of butter or non-stick spray.

Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Smash Those Bananas

Grab your overripe bananas and mash them in a small bowl.

Leave a few tiny chunks for extra texture and flavor.

The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be.

Step 3: Whip Up the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to blend butter with granulated and brown sugar.

Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

This step creates the perfect foundation for your banana bread.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.

Stir until everything is beautifully combined and creates a creamy, fragrant batter.

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Sift together:
  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Mix just until combined – overmixing will make your bread tough and dense.

Step 6: Sprinkle Chocolate Chips

Fold most of the chocolate chips into the batter, saving some for topping.

This ensures melty chocolate in every single bite of your bread.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan.

Scatter the remaining chocolate chips on top.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Let the bread cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing to allow it to set properly.

Tips for Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

  • Ensure bananas are truly overripe with dark brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and moisture in your bread.
  • Toss chocolate chips in a tablespoon of flour before adding to the batter to help them distribute evenly and prevent sinking to the bottom.
  • Gently fold dry ingredients using a spatula with minimal strokes to keep the bread tender and avoid developing tough gluten networks.
  • Replace some all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition, or use Greek yogurt instead of butter to reduce fat content while maintaining moisture.
  • Wrap cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer preservation without losing flavor quality.

Storage for Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

  • Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, maintaining moisture and preventing staleness.
  • Wrap completely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut into individual slices, separate with parchment paper, place in freezer bag, and freeze up to 3 months. Microwave or toast directly from frozen for quick individual servings.
  • Keep at room temperature in airtight container for 2-3 days, ensuring bread stays soft and fresh without refrigeration.

What to Pair with Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

  • Chocolate Companion: Pair with a rich, dark chocolate stout for a decadent flavor explosion that echoes the chocolate chip notes in the bread.
  • Coffee Complements: Match with a smooth cold brew or creamy vanilla latte to balance the sweet banana and enhance the bread's warm, comforting profile.
  • Nutty Nibble Partner: Serve alongside toasted almonds or a dollop of salted caramel almond butter to add a complementary crunch and nutty depth to each slice.
  • Dairy Delight: Accompany with a cold glass of whole milk or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a classic, indulgent dessert experience that highlights the bread's soft texture.

Fun Takes on Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

  • Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Use certified gluten-free chocolate chips to ensure complete compatibility.
  • Vegan Banana Bread: Swap butter for coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select dairy-free chocolate chips. This version provides a plant-based alternative that maintains the classic banana bread flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Bread: Reduce granulated sugar by half and replace with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and dark chocolate chips with higher cocoa content to minimize added sugars.
  • Nutty Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and nutritional value. Toasting the nuts beforehand will enhance their flavor and provide a deeper, more complex taste to the bread.

FAQs

  • Why are overripe bananas best for this recipe?

Overripe bananas have more natural sugars and softer texture, which makes the banana bread sweeter and more moist. They’re easier to mash and blend into the batter, creating a richer flavor profile.

  • Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can swap milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips based on your preference. Some bakers even mix different types of chocolate for a more complex taste.

  • How do I know if I'm overmixing the batter?

When you see the batter becoming too smooth or elastic-like, stop mixing. Gently fold ingredients until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your banana bread tough and dense instead of soft and tender.

  • What if my bananas aren't very ripe?

If your bananas aren’t super ripe, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag with an apple or placing them in a warm spot for a day or two. This helps them soften and develop more sweetness.

Why Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is a Favorite

Why Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is a Favorite
  • Transform those overripe, brown bananas into a delectable treat instead of tossing them out. This recipe turns potential food waste into a mouthwatering dessert that saves money and reduces kitchen waste.
  • Swap chocolate chips for nuts, dried fruit, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon to make this recipe your own. Bakers of all skill levels can personalize this forgiving banana bread without complicated techniques.
  • Gather everyone in the kitchen for a fun baking experience that creates lasting memories. Kids can help mash bananas, mix ingredients, and enjoy the incredible aroma filling the home. The result is a crowd-pleasing snack that brings smiles to faces of all ages.
  • Minimal dishes and simple steps make this recipe a stress-free baking adventure. With just a few basic tools and ingredients, you'll have a homemade treat that tastes like it came from a professional bakery.
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Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Moist and irresistible chocolate chip banana bread delights taste buds with its perfect blend of sweet bananas and rich chocolate. Home bakers can quickly create this comforting classic that promises pure satisfaction in every delectable slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruits:

  • 4 overripe bananas

Baking Foundation:

  • 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Wet Ingredients and Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (170 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F and preparing a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, optionally lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Transform overripe bananas into a smooth mash, allowing some small chunks to remain for enhanced texture.
  3. Utilize a hand mixer to thoroughly blend butter with granulated and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy, typically requiring 2-3 minutes of continuous mixing.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter-sugar mixture, then gently fold in mashed bananas and vanilla extract, creating a rich, aromatic batter.
  5. Carefully sift dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt – into the wet mixture, folding gently to combine without overmixing, which could result in a tough bread texture.
  6. Distribute chocolate chips throughout the batter, reserving a portion to sprinkle on top of the loaf for additional visual appeal and chocolate distribution.
  7. Transfer batter to the prepared pan, garnish with remaining chocolate chips, and bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean or with minimal crumbs.
  8. Allow the bread to cool for at least 20 minutes, enabling it to set properly before slicing and serving, which helps maintain its structural integrity and optimal flavor.

Notes

  • Swap ripe bananas for slightly overripe ones to enhance natural sweetness and ensure maximum moisture in the bread.
  • Mix chocolate chips with a bit of flour before adding to prevent sinking during baking, distributing them evenly throughout the loaf.
  • Consider using whole wheat flour or gluten-free alternatives for a healthier or dietary-specific version of the banana bread.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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