Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a moist, rich, and incredibly satisfying baked treat. It’s the perfect way to use up ripe bananas and indulge in the delightful combination of sweet banana flavor and gooey chocolate chips. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, this banana bread delivers pure comfort in every slice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and flavorful – made with ripe bananas and softened butter

• Studded with melty chocolate chips for extra decadence

• Easy one-bowl preparation with simple pantry ingredients

• Perfect texture – not too dense, not too cakey

• Delicious warm or at room temperature

• Freezer-friendly – great for make-ahead treats

• Versatile – can be made with different chocolate varieties or nuts

• Crowd-pleaser – loved by kids and adults alike

• No mixer required if you prefer to mix by hand

• Stays moist for days

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 3 medium/large very ripe bananas (about 1 3/4 cups mashed)

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided (or mini chips or chunks)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a standard 9.25″ x 5.25″ loaf pan.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar
   In a mixing bowl (or using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment), cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Add the lightly beaten eggs and mix until well combined.

3. Add Bananas and Vanilla
   Mash the bananas with a fork until they resemble chunky applesauce. Add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and stir until blended.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just incorporated—do not overmix.

5. Add Chocolate Chips
   Fold in 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips on top of the batter.

6. Bake
   Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Begin checking at 55 minutes.

7. Cool
   Let the banana bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10 slices
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts – Stir in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch

• Switch up the chocolate – Use white chocolate chips, dark chocolate, or mini chips

• Make it whole grain – Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour

• Spice it up – Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth

• Gluten-free option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend

• Make muffins – Divide batter among muffin tins and bake for 18–22 minutes

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for up to 2 days

• Refrigeration: Not recommended as it can dry out the bread, but okay for 3–5 days if needed

• Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 3 hours before serving

• To Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that freshly baked taste

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just thaw and drain off excess liquid before mashing.

Can I make this recipe without chocolate chips?

Absolutely. It becomes a classic banana bread without them.

What’s the best way to mash bananas?

Use a fork or potato masher until the texture resembles chunky applesauce.

How do I know the banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes. Bake at 350°F for about 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, reduce by 1/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet loaf. Keep in mind the chocolate chips add sweetness too.

What can I use instead of butter?

You can substitute with coconut oil or a neutral oil, but butter gives the richest flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double and use two loaf pans. Baking time should remain about the same.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Sure! Try shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or dried fruit.

Why is my banana bread too dense?

Overmixing the batter can make it dense. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is the ultimate go-to recipe for turning overripe bananas into a comforting, chocolatey loaf everyone will love. Moist, flavorful, and easy to make, it’s a staple recipe you’ll reach for time and time again. Whether you’re baking for the week or sharing with friends, one slice is never enough.