Banana Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips Recipe

This Banana Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips is truly the ultimate cozy treat for any time of day. Imagine extra-moist banana bread, perfectly golden and studded with pockets of melted chocolate chips in every bite — it’s nostalgic comfort with a chocolatey upgrade. Whether you’re baking for brunch, a snack, or to share with friends, this one-bowl wonder comes together with simple pantry staples and overripe bananas you likely already have. Trust me, this recipe will become your go-to every time you spot speckled bananas on your counter!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this Banana Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips is that the ingredients are gloriously straightforward, and each is truly essential for building rich flavor, a tender crumb, and that picture-perfect loaf. Let’s break down each one, so you know exactly why they belong in your mixing bowl.

• Ripe bananas: The spottier and riper, the better for maximum sweetness and banana flavor!
• Unsalted butter (melted): Adds a luxurious, moist texture and unbeatable rich taste.
• Brown sugar: Provides deep caramel notes and keeps the bread moist.
• Large eggs: These help bind the loaf and give it a light, tender structure.
• Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon brings all the flavors together with its aromatic warmth.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the loaf, giving it that perfect bakery-style crumb.
• Baking soda: Gives the bread lift and prevents it from being dense.
• Salt: A half teaspoon makes all the other flavors pop.
• Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark): The star add-in! They melt into gorgeous pockets of chocolate with every slice.
• Optional – Cinnamon: For a subtle, cozy warmth that pairs beautifully with banana and chocolate.
• Optional – Chopped walnuts: For extra crunch and a nutty flavor boost, if you love a little texture in your loaf.

How to Make Banana Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or, for even easier removal, line it with parchment paper. A well-prepared pan means your banana bread will pop out effortlessly with a gorgeous golden crust.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas and Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, grab your ripe bananas and mash them until mostly smooth with just a few small lumps. Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined—the mixture should smell absolutely heavenly.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and, if you’re feeling cozy, the cinnamon. This step makes sure your leavening and seasonings are evenly spread throughout the loaf for the best rise and flavor.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture and stir gently, just until combined. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour. This keeps your Banana Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips tender, not tough.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips (and Walnuts!)

Fold in your chocolate chips and walnuts, if using. I always like to save a small handful of chocolate chips to sprinkle on top for that tempting, bakery-style finish.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle over those reserved chocolate chips. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (watch for melted chocolate!).

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let your banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes—this helps it set and makes it easier to remove. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience pays off here, as slicing when cool gives perfect, neat pieces.

How to Serve Banana Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips

Garnishes

For a little something extra, dust your banana bread with a touch of powdered sugar or drizzle it lightly with melted chocolate. If you’re feeling fancy, a few extra chocolate chips or chopped walnuts sprinkled on top look lovely and hint at the goodness inside.

Side Dishes

This loaf shines all on its own with a cup of hot coffee or chilled milk, but it plays nicely with fresh fruit, vanilla yogurt, or even a small scoop of ice cream for dessert. Trust me, any excuse to eat this banana bread is a good one!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve thick slices toasted with a slather of salted butter, cut the loaf into cubes for a brunch platter, or pack individual slices in lunchboxes as a special treat. You can even bake the batter as muffins for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks—the Banana Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips never gets boring!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your loaf will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to lock in freshness and keep those chocolate chips nice and soft.

Freezing

This recipe is a lifesaver for make-ahead breakfasts or snacks. Let your banana bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing (either whole or sliced). It stays fabulous for up to three months—just grab a slice whenever a craving hits!

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven taste, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or pop them in the toaster for a lightly crisped edge. The chocolate chips melty and warm are pure bliss.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this Banana Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw frozen bananas completely and drain off excess liquid before mashing. They’ll still pack tons of flavor and moisture into your loaf.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose, and will it change the texture?

Yes, you can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat. The loaf will be a bit heartier and denser, but still delicious. You might want to add an extra tablespoon of milk to keep things moist.

What’s the best way to keep banana bread from drying out?

Wrap your banana bread tightly once it’s completely cooled. If storing for more than a couple days, refrigerate or freeze to preserve its fabulous, moist crumb.

Can I make this Banana Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips dairy-free?

Certainly! Swap melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter for the regular butter, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. You won’t miss a thing!

How do I know when banana bread is fully baked?

The best test is to stick a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs (just watch for melted chocolate, which can look like uncooked batter!). If the top is browning too fast, loosely tent with foil during the last 15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Baking and sharing this Banana Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips always brings a smile, and I’m convinced it’ll be a hit in your kitchen too. Give it a try and discover just how irresistible banana bread can be with a chocolatey twist. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!

Print