Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips Recipe

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm slice of banana bread, especially when it’s studded with melty chocolate chips. This classic recipe gets an upgrade with the addition of rich, sweet chocolate that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a sweet treat, this banana bread recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Banana bread is loved for its moist texture, sweet aroma, and incredible versatility. Adding chocolate chips takes it to a whole new level, transforming a simple baked good into a crowd-pleasing dessert. Plus, this recipe is easy to make, requires minimal equipment, and is a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Moist and Flavorful: The combination of ripe bananas and chocolate chips creates a moist, tender crumb with bursts of sweetness.
2. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and no special equipment, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
3. Customizable: Add nuts, spices, or other mix-ins to make it your own.
4. Perfect for Any Time: Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or dessert, banana bread is always a good choice.
5. Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze slices for a quick, grab-and-go option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

1. Peel the overripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the bananas until smooth with a few small chunks remaining. This adds texture to the bread.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. To the mashed bananas, add the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
2. Whisk until well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

1. Gently fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a small handful for topping the loaf.
2. If adding nuts or other mix-ins, fold them in at this stage.

Step 6: Fill the Loaf Pan

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips (and any optional toppings) on top.

Step 7: Bake the Banana Bread

1. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few melted chocolate streaks are fine).
2. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
2. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for Success

1. Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots.
2. Measure Accurately: Too much flour can make the bread dense, so use the spoon-and-level method for measuring.
3. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense bread. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
4. Customize Your Add-Ins: Add up to ½ cup of chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit for variety.
5. Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking at the 50-minute mark.

Variations

1. Peanut Butter Twist: Add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a nutty flavor.
2. Spiced Banana Bread: Mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced version.
3. Healthy Option: Use whole wheat flour and substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup. You can also add ¼ cup of ground flaxseed for extra fiber.
4. Double Chocolate: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

1. Warm with Butter: A classic way to enjoy banana bread is with a pat of butter spread over a warm slice.
2. With Nut Butter: Spread peanut butter or almond butter on top for a protein-packed snack.
3. Paired with Coffee or Tea: Banana bread is the perfect companion for your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
4. As a Dessert: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for a decadent treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes! Thaw the bananas and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

How do I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking?

Toss the chocolate chips in a little flour before adding them to the batter.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and divide the batter between two loaf pans.

Conclusion

This Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips recipe is a delightful balance of simplicity and indulgence. The natural sweetness of bananas pairs beautifully with the richness of chocolate, creating a bread that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack, it’s a guaranteed hit. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a regular in your baking repertoire!

Yield: 1 Loaf

Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips Recipe

Print

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm slice of banana bread, especially when it's studded with melty chocolate chips. This classic recipe gets an upgrade with the addition of rich, sweet chocolate that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a sweet treat, this banana bread recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• 1/3 cup melted butter (unsalted or salted)
• 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
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mash the Bananas

1. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
2. Stir in the melted butter until combined.

3. Add Wet Ingredients

1. Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

1. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture.
2. Gradually add the flour, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

5. Fold in Chocolate Chips

1. Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6. Bake the Bread

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
2. If desired, sprinkle a handful of extra chocolate chips over the top.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only melted chocolate.

7. Cool and Serve

1. Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
2. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

• Banana Tip: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be.
• Sugar Adjustment: You can reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup if you prefer a less sweet bread.
• Add-Ins: Mix in chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or dried fruits for extra texture.