If you’re craving something sweet, cozy, and easy to bake, this chocolate chip banana bread recipe is your perfect go-to. Combining the comforting flavor of ripe bananas with the indulgence of melty chocolate chips, this recipe delivers a moist, flavorful loaf every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll love how simple it is to whip up this classic treat. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas while satisfying your chocolate cravings!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best chocolate chip banana bread recipe:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/3 cup melted butter (unsalted)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips (plus a few extra for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients — stir in melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients — in a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients — gently fold the dry mixture into the banana mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add the chocolate chips — fold in the chocolate chips, saving a few to sprinkle on top.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few melted chocolate streaks are okay!).
- Cool and serve — let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
(Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)
Tips & Variations
- Healthier Option: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
- Add Nuts: Mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Make it Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and use vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Mini Loaves or Muffins: Pour the batter into muffin tins or smaller loaf pans for quicker baking and easy sharing.
- Extra Chocolate: Use a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This chocolate chip banana bread tastes amazing:
- Warmed up with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
- Paired with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for breakfast.
- Topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream as a dessert.
- As a thoughtful homemade gift wrapped in parchment and ribbon.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze chocolate chip banana bread?
Yes! Wrap the cooled loaf (or slices) tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
2. My banana bread turned out dense. What went wrong?
Overmixing the batter can make banana bread heavy. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for a soft, moist crumb.
3. Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely. Thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing. They work great in this recipe.
4. How do I know when it’s done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center — if it comes out mostly clean (a few chocolate smudges are fine), it’s ready.
Conclusion
This chocolate chip banana bread recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a moist, rich, and satisfying treat. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Once you bake it, you’ll understand why this classic loaf is a favorite in so many homes. So grab those ripe bananas and start baking — your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
