Homemade Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

Homemade Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is one of the best ways to turn ripe bananas into a moist and flavorful treat. The combination of sweet bananas and rich chocolate chips creates a loaf that feels satisfying for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. With its soft texture and bursts of melted chocolate throughout, this banana bread is a recipe that works well for any occasion.

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need basic pantry ingredients, a couple of ripe bananas, and less than 20 minutes of preparation before it goes into the oven. Whether you want something quick to make for the family or a treat that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea, this banana bread is a go-to option. It’s also a practical way to use bananas that are past their prime, reducing food waste while creating something delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Bread

• Moist and Tender Texture: Ripe bananas, softened butter, and just the right balance of ingredients give this loaf a soft, fluffy crumb.
• Chocolate in Every Bite: Chocolate chips are folded into the batter and sprinkled on top, so each slice has bursts of chocolate flavor.
• Simple to Prepare: No special equipment is required, and the batter comes together in a single mixing bowl.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults alike enjoy this sweet, comforting bread, making it perfect for sharing.
• Versatile Recipe: Great on its own, with a spread of butter, or as a base for creative add-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
• Freezer-Friendly: Bakes well ahead of time and stores beautifully in the freezer for a quick snack or breakfast.

Ingredients Needed

This recipe uses simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients that come together to create moist and flavorful banana bread. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base of the bread that gives structure and softness. For a slightly heartier loaf, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise and gives it a light texture.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture. Using softened butter ensures it blends smoothly with the sugar.
• Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the bread. You can also replace half with light brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor.
• Large eggs (2): Provide structure, moisture, and help bind the ingredients together.
• Ripe bananas (3, mashed): The key ingredient. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be. You’ll need about 1 ½ cups mashed.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor and complements the bananas and chocolate.
• Chocolate chips (1 cup): Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal for balance, but you can also use milk or dark chocolate depending on your preference. Reserve a couple of tablespoons to sprinkle on top before baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps for banana bread that turns out moist, tender, and full of chocolate flavor every time.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your batter is done.
• Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Mixing these separately prevents clumps and ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter with the sugar until light and fluffy.
• This step incorporates air, which helps the banana bread bake up soft and tender.

4. Add Eggs, Bananas, and Vanilla

• Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully combined.
• Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

• Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two parts, mixing gently after each addition.
• Do not overmix; stir just until the flour is absorbed. Overmixing can make the bread dense.

6. Fold in Chocolate Chips

• Using a spatula, fold in most of the chocolate chips.
• Save about 2 tablespoons to sprinkle on top of the loaf before baking.

7. Transfer Batter and Bake

• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
• Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over it.
• Bake for 55–65 minutes, checking with a toothpick inserted into the center. It should come out clean, with only a few melted chocolate streaks.

8. Cool Before Slicing

• Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
• Remove it carefully and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps the bread set and makes cutting easier.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy warm slices with butter or cream cheese.
• Toast slices lightly and spread with peanut butter for a hearty snack.
• Serve with coffee or tea as a sweet breakfast treat.

Tips for the Best Banana Bread

• Use very ripe bananas — the more spotted, the better.
• Do not overmix the batter; this keeps the bread soft.
• Swap chocolate chips for walnuts, pecans, or dried fruit for variety.
• Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Freeze slices individually for up to 3 months.