Name: Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489212H40M34S
Total time: PT-489212H40M34S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; ½ cup butter, melted; ¾ cup brown sugar; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla; 1 ½ cups flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe·5 from 25 reviews

If you’re after a treat that channels the comfort of homemade baking and the allure of melty chocolate, look no further than this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. With a soft, tender crumb and bursts of gooey chocolate throughout, this recipe takes classic banana bread to a whole new level. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, you’ll love how each bite balances the sweetness of ripe bananas, the richness of chocolate chips, and that irresistible homemade feel.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is in its simplicity: every ingredient plays a unique part, from flavor to texture. Each is easy to find and delivers something special that helps make this loaf so unforgettable.

Bananas (3 ripe, mashed): The riper, the better! They add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
Butter (½ cup, melted): Melted butter gives a rich, decadent flavor and ensures a moist, tender loaf.
Brown sugar (¾ cup): Brown sugar imparts a deep, caramel-like sweetness and keeps the bread soft.
Eggs (2): Eggs bind the batter and add structure, helping the bread rise beautifully.
Vanilla (1 tsp): A dash of vanilla enhances both the banana and chocolate flavors, tying everything together.
Flour (1 ½ cups): All-purpose flour gives the bread its shape and just the right amount of tenderness.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Baking soda helps the bread rise and keeps the crumb light.
Salt (½ tsp): Just enough to balance the sweetness and highlight all the other flavors.
Chocolate chips (¾ cup): The star add-in, providing those irresistible pockets of melty chocolate in every slice.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). This ensures your bread bakes evenly right from the start. Grease a standard loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray so the bread comes out cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork or masher. Add in the melted butter and stir until well combined. Next, whisk in the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter looks smooth and caramel-colored. These wet ingredients lay the foundation for that signature moist texture.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agents, which means a uniform rise and airy crumb in your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle—overmixing can make the bread tough. Stir until just combined and no streaks of flour are visible. This careful touch keeps the loaf delicate and soft.

Step 5: Stir in the Chocolate Chips

Pour in the chocolate chips and fold them into the batter so they’re evenly dispersed. For the best results, use mini chips for more chocolate in every bite, or try adding chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan and gently smooth the top. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs or melted chocolate are perfect). The top should be deeply golden and your kitchen will smell heavenly.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely if you can wait! This helps the flavors develop and the slices hold together beautifully.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Garnishes

For a pretty presentation, dust the cooled bread lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a little melted chocolate. You can also scatter a few extra chocolate chips on top before baking for a bakery-style look. A dollop of whipped cream or a pat of good butter takes it over the top.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or an icy glass of milk. If you’re serving it at brunch, add fresh berries or a tangy yogurt parfait on the side for a perfectly balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Slices of this bread make a terrific base for French toast—just dip in egg and cook until golden. Or, grill a slice and top it with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist. You can even cube the bread and use it in bread pudding for an irresistible treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, wrap your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to three days, but if your kitchen is especially warm, pop it in the fridge for extra longevity.

Freezing

This bread is freezer-friendly! Slice as desired and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top freezer bag. It will keep its flavor and moistness in the freezer for up to three months, ready for whenever those cravings strike.

Reheating

To enjoy a slice warm, simply microwave it for 10–15 seconds or pop it in a toaster oven. This brings back that fresh-baked aroma and makes the chocolate chips deliciously melty again. If reheating from frozen, let the slice thaw at room temperature first for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for Chocolate Chip Banana Bread?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They’ll add the same great texture and flavor as fresh ripe bananas.

What type of chocolate chips are best?

You can use semisweet, milk, or even dark chocolate chips depending on your taste. Mini chips are wonderful for more even distribution, but regular-sized chips or chopped chocolate bars work just as well.

Can I make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The rest of the recipe remains the same—just keep an eye on the texture as some gluten-free blends absorb a bit more moisture.

Why did my bread sink in the middle?

This can happen if the batter is overmixed or if the bread was underbaked. Always test the center with a toothpick and let the bread cool gradually to prevent sinking.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add great crunch, or you can toss in dried fruit for a new twist. Just don’t overload the batter—about ½ cup of extra mix-ins is perfect.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a no-fail recipe that fills your home with the smell of comfort and delivers pure joy in every bite, give this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread a try. It’s a favorite for a reason, and I can’t wait for you to experience that first chocolate-dotted slice fresh from your own oven!