Few things evoke the warmth and comfort of home quite like a freshly baked Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. This moist, tender loaf perfectly blends the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich indulgence of melting chocolate chips.

Every slice is soft, flavorful, and satisfying—a true treat for mornings, afternoon tea, or even dessert. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or craving a cozy homemade bake, this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread delivers perfection every single time.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort bake—warm, chocolatey, and delightfully aromatic. The batter comes together in minutes, yet the flavor is rich and layered.

Each bite has a soft banana base with bursts of gooey chocolate chips that make it irresistible.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This banana bread is a must-try because it’s:

• Moist and rich without being heavy.
• Sweetened naturally by bananas, so it’s not overly sugary.
• Versatile—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients and no mixer required.
• Loved by everyone—kids, adults, and even picky eaters.

Once you make this, it’s sure to become a family favorite and a go-to recipe for overripe bananas.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 55–65 minutes
• Cooling Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Servings: 10 slices
• Calories: ~310 kcal per slice
• Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 large ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 ¼ cups)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Add-Ins:

• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Bananas

• In a large bowl, mash ripe bananas with a fork until smooth but slightly chunky.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Add melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas.
• Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

• Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula.
• Do not overmix—mix just until no dry flour remains.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips

• Fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts if using).
• Reserve a few chocolate chips to sprinkle on top before baking.

Step 7: Pour and Bake

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
• Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.
• Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few melted chocolate streaks are fine).

Step 8: Cool

• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
• Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve

• Serve warm or at room temperature with:
  • A pat of butter or nut butter
  • A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
• Pairs beautifully with coffee, milk, or hot chocolate.

Recipe Tips

• Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas (speckled and soft), the sweeter and moister your bread will be.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing can make the bread dense. Stir until ingredients are just combined.
• Add texture: For crunch, mix in walnuts or pecans.
• Check doneness: If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.
• Rest before slicing: Cooling helps the crumb set for clean slices.

Variations

1. Double Chocolate Banana Bread: Add ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder and use chocolate chunks for an extra-rich version.
2. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Swirl ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter into the batter before baking.
3. Coconut Banana Bread: Add ¼ cup shredded coconut and use coconut oil instead of butter.
4. Healthy Version: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour, and substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar.
5. Banana Muffins: Pour batter into muffin tins and bake for 20–22 minutes for individual portions.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 7 days when wrapped tightly.
• Freezer:
  • Wrap the cooled loaf (or slices) in plastic wrap, then foil.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before using.

Q2: Why is my banana bread too dense?
This happens if the batter is overmixed or if too much flour is added. Measure flour properly by spooning and leveling.

Q3: Can I use milk chocolate chips?
Absolutely—milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips work beautifully.

Q4: How do I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of butter, and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Q5: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for regular flour.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is the definition of cozy baking—moist, tender, and irresistibly sweet with gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite. It’s simple to make, uses everyday ingredients, and fills your home with a heavenly aroma.

Whether you’re baking it for breakfast, gifting it to friends, or enjoying it warm with a cup of coffee, this bread never disappoints. It’s that perfect balance of comfort and indulgence—a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.