Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips Recipe

Name: Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips Recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, moist banana bread and rich, melted chocolate. It's an easy-to-make treat that will delight your family and friends.

Created by

Natalie Briggs

Last updated on 2025-12-28T19:28:07.455Z

There's something comforting about a warm slice of banana bread fresh from the oven. This recipe not only uses ripe bananas for natural sweetness but also adds chocolate chips for a decadent twist. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The delightful combination of bananas and rich chocolate chips
A moist and tender crumb that makes each slice irresistible
Perfect for using up overripe bananas and indulging your sweet tooth

      

The Perfect Banana Bread

Banana bread is a classic favorite in many households, and for good reason. Its rich, moist texture combined with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas makes it a comforting treat. What sets this recipe apart is the addition of chocolate chips, which melt into gooey pockets of sweetness, elevating an already delicious bread to new heights. It’s the perfect solution for those overripe bananas sitting on your countertop, turning them into something deliciously indulgent.

This banana bread recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to fit your tastes. Want to add nuts for extra crunch? Go for it! Prefer a hint of spice? A sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the flavor profile beautifully. This adaptability makes it not only a delightful treat but also a fun baking project for everyone in the family.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with this banana bread recipe, start with very ripe bananas. The more brown spots on the skin, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be. This is crucial as it ensures your bread will be moist and bursting with banana flavor. If you’re short on time, you can even microwave the bananas for a few seconds to speed up the ripening process.

Another key tip is to avoid overmixing the batter. Mixing just until the flour is incorporated will yield a tender crumb. Overmixing can lead to a denser loaf, which is not the texture we’re aiming for. Gently folding in the chocolate chips ensures they are evenly distributed without compromising the bread’s lightness.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once your banana bread has cooled, you might be tempted to dive right in, and who could blame you? However, for best flavor, let it sit for a few hours or even overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to serve, consider pairing slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of butter for an extra treat.

To store your banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and it will keep at room temperature for about three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. Slice the bread before freezing, so you can easily grab a piece whenever the craving strikes. Just allow it to thaw at room temperature, and it will taste freshly baked.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

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

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.

Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter. Mix in the baking soda and salt. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Add Dry Ingredients

Stir in the flour until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.

Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutritional Benefits of Bananas

Bananas are not just a delicious addition to your banana bread; they also pack a nutritional punch. They are a great source of potassium, which helps support heart health and regulate blood pressure. Additionally, bananas provide dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.

Incorporating bananas into your diet can also boost your mood, as they contain tryptophan, which the body converts into serotonin. This makes banana bread a feel-good treat that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also contributes positively to your well-being.

Why Chocolate Chips?

Chocolate chips bring a delightful richness to banana bread, balancing the natural sweetness of the bananas. They melt into the bread as it bakes, creating gooey pockets of chocolate that elevate each bite. Choosing high-quality chocolate chips can make a significant difference in flavor, so opt for semisweet or dark chocolate for a more sophisticated taste.

In addition to enhancing the flavor, chocolate chips provide a source of antioxidants. Dark chocolate, in particular, is known for its health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced inflammation. This makes your banana bread not only a delightful dessert but also a treat that can be enjoyed in moderation.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with your banana bread! Adding nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can provide a lovely crunch and complement the softness of the bread. You can also introduce spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall.

For a tropical twist, consider adding shredded coconut or pineapple to the batter. These ingredients can bring a bright, fruity flavor to your banana bread, making it an exciting variation that’s sure to impress. Remember, baking is an art, so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw the frozen bananas, drain any excess liquid, and mash them as usual.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, just ensure it is a 1:1 substitute.

→ What can I add to the banana bread?

You can add nuts, dried fruit, or spices like cinnamon for added flavor.