Get ready to bake the most irresistible treat! This chocolate chip banana bread recipe puts a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners, and promises a moist, flavorful loaf every time. Prepare to fall in love with its rich taste and simple steps.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
You’ll adore this recipe for so many reasons. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, fitting perfectly into a busy schedule. This recipe is fantastic for using up those perfectly ripe bananas sitting on your counter. The combination of sweet bananas with melty chocolate chips is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with this easy one-bowl baking method.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- ⅓ cup butter (75 g), melted
- ½ cup sugar (100 g)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (185 g)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (85 g)
Notes and Substitutions
Use very ripe bananas (brown spots!) for optimal sweetness and moisture in your chocolate chip banana bread. For butter, you can substitute with an equal amount of oil (like vegetable or canola) or even unsweetened applesauce for a lighter loaf. White sugar can be swapped for brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor, or reduced slightly with a touch of honey if you prefer. All-purpose flour works wonderfully, but a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend or half whole wheat flour can also be used. Feel free to experiment with dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips, or use chocolate chunks for bigger pockets of melty goodness.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized gear for this delicious chocolate chip banana bread. A standard 9×5 inch loaf pan is essential. Grab a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients. A simple whisk or a sturdy spatula will work for mixing. You’ll also need measuring cups and spoons to ensure accuracy. Don’t forget your oven mitts for safe handling of the hot pan!
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease your 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In your large mixing bowl, add the three ripe bananas and mash them well with a fork until mostly smooth; a few lumps are fine! Pour in the melted butter and stir until it’s completely combined with the mashed bananas.
Next, add the sugar, beaten egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt to the banana mixture. Stir well until all these wet ingredients are fully incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep your chocolate chip banana bread tender.
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the prepared chocolate chip banana bread batter into your greased loaf pan. If desired, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for a beautiful presentation.
Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the bread to set before carefully removing it from the pan. Cool completely on the wire rack before slicing and enjoying this amazing chocolate chip banana bread.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Always use very ripe bananas for the sweetest and most moist results. Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough loaf, so mix just until the flour disappears. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. To prevent your loaf from sticking, always grease and flour your pan, or use parchment paper. Achieve a beautiful crack on top by creating a shallow furrow down the center of the batter with a knife before baking. To keep chocolate chips from sinking, toss them lightly in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter. Adjust sweetness by slightly decreasing sugar or adding a pinch more salt.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Serve your homemade chocolate chip banana bread warm with a pat of butter, alongside a cup of coffee, or as a delightful snack. Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.
Variations
Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delicious nutty crunch. Enhance the flavor with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg. Make it extra chocolatey by doubling the chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled loaf. For easy grab-and-go treats, bake the batter in muffin tins; reduce baking time to 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition Information
This nutrition information is an estimate per serving, based on 10 servings per loaf. Actual values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 379 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbs | 56g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 28g |
| Protein | 5g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, absolutely! Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid for perfect results.
Why is my banana bread dry? Overbaking or using too much flour can lead to dry banana bread. Ensure you measure flour correctly and don’t overbake.
How to ripen bananas quickly? Place them in a paper bag with an apple or tomato overnight, or bake them on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 15-30 minutes until skins are black.
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, substitute butter with a dairy-free stick butter alternative or an equal amount of oil. Ensure your chocolate chips are also dairy-free.
Best way to store for freshness? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for longer freshness.
Conclusion
This chocolate chip banana bread recipe is truly a winner, offering a perfect blend of ease and deliciousness. You now have all the tools and tips to create a wonderfully moist and flavorful loaf that everyone will adore. Don’t hesitate to give this simple, satisfying recipe a try. Bake a batch today, share with loved ones, and savor every delightful bite!
The Best Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Equipment
- oven
- bowl
- loaf pan
- toothpick
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- ⅓ cup butter (75 g)
- ½ cup sugar (100 g)
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- salt to taste
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (185 g)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (85 g)
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350˚F (180˚C).
- In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, then stir in the melted butter.
- Add the sugar, beaten egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, salt, and flour to the banana mixture and mix until the batter is smooth.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, and top with extra chocolate chips.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the banana bread to cool completely before slicing and serving.
