There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of homemade banana bread baking in the oven. Now, imagine that classic moist, buttery banana bread, but with melty chocolate chips in every bite. That’s exactly what you get with this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread—a rich, soft, and incredibly delicious treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack!
This recipe is super easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and is a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Trust me, once you try this chocolate-studded banana bread, you’ll never want to make plain banana bread again!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
✔️ Super Moist & Soft – Thanks to the ripe bananas and just the right amount of butter.
✔️ Loaded with Chocolate Chips – Every bite is rich, sweet, and chocolaty.
✔️ One-Bowl Recipe – Minimal cleanup required!
✔️ Freezes Well – Make a loaf ahead of time and enjoy later.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat with coffee.
Ingredients for the Best Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
To make this perfectly moist and chocolatey banana bread, you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but adds warmth!)
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-Ins:
- ¾ cup (130g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- ½ cup (optional) chopped walnuts or pecans
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
✔️ Mixing bowls – One for dry ingredients, one for wet.
✔️ Whisk & spatula – For mixing without overworking the batter.
✔️ Loaf pan (9×5-inch) – To bake your banana bread.
✔️ Parchment paper – For easy removal.
✔️ Toothpick – To check for doneness.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 3: Mash the Bananas & Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and whisk until well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Stir just until combined—overmixing can make the bread dense.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips & Nuts
Fold in ¾ cup chocolate chips and nuts (if using). Save a few extra chocolate chips to sprinkle on top before baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few melted chocolate streaks are fine!).
Step 7: Cool & Enjoy!
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
What to Serve with Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
This banana bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it even more with:
A glass of cold milk – The perfect classic pairing!
Coffee or tea – Great for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream – Turn it into a decadent dessert!
A smear of peanut butter or Nutella – Because more chocolate is always a good idea!
Pro Tips for the Best Banana Bread
✔️ Use Very Ripe Bananas – The riper, the better! They should be dark brown or spotty for maximum sweetness and moisture.
✔️ Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.
✔️ Measure the Flour Correctly – Spoon and level the flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly.
✔️ Use Room Temperature Eggs – They blend more easily into the batter for an even texture.
✔️ Try Different Chocolate Chips – Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips work great!
How to Store & Freeze Banana Bread
Storing:
- Keep banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week if you prefer it chilled.
Freezing:
- Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, leave at room temperature for a few hours or warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Let them thaw completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.
Why is my banana bread dense?
Overmixing the batter can make banana bread dense. Stir gently just until combined for a soft texture.
Can I add more chocolate?
Of course! Feel free to double the chocolate chips or even drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking.
Final Thoughts – Why You NEED to Try This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread!
This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is everything you want in a homemade treat—soft, moist, and bursting with banana flavor and rich chocolate chips. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven, toasted with butter, or packed in a lunchbox, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
More Delicious Recipes to Try:
- Cream Cheese & Cheddar Stuffed Doritos Chicken – A crispy, cheesy chicken dish you won’t want to miss!
- Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread – A fall-inspired twist on classic banana bread.
- Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes – The perfect breakfast to pair with your banana bread.
Now, grab those ripe bananas and get baking! 🍌🔥