If you have a soft spot for classic banana bread but want to elevate it to something truly irresistible, this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for. It’s the perfect balance of moist, tender banana bread studded with rich, melty chocolate chips and brightened by a subtle hint of fresh orange zest. Each bite brings a delightful combination of sweetness, warmth, and just the right amount of chocolatey goodness that makes this recipe an instant favorite in any kitchen. With everyday ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is guaranteed to become your go-to treat for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create a wonderfully moist texture, perfect sweetness, and beautiful golden color. These are simple ingredients but together they work magic.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the bread.
- Granulated sugar: Adds necessary sweetness and helps with browning.
- Baking soda: Ensures the bread rises perfectly without any heaviness.
- Kosher salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
- Very ripe bananas: The heart of the bread, delivering moisture and natural sweetness.
- Plain yogurt: Adds moistness and slight tang, which brightens the flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Gives richness and helps keep the bread tender.
- Pure vanilla extract: Deepens the aroma and overall flavor profile.
- Orange zest: Introduces a fresh, citrusy note to brighten the bread’s taste.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: The star addition that melts into pockets of chocolate throughout.
- Banana slices: Optional topping that makes for a pretty presentation and extra banana flavor.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by greasing and flouring the bottom of a 9×5-inch loaf pan to keep your banana bread from sticking. Setting the oven rack to the lower-middle position ensures even baking, and preheating your oven to 375°F gets things warmed up and ready for your batter.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these together not only mixes them evenly but also helps to aerate the flour, which gives you a lighter loaf in the end.
Step 3: Mash and Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, mash your very ripe bananas thoroughly. Stir in the yogurt, melted butter (make sure it’s cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs or other ingredients), vanilla extract, and bright orange zest. This mixture brings moisture, richness, and a lovely citrus twist that’s unique to this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures with Chocolate Chips
Fold the banana mixture and chocolate chips gently into the flour mixture using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix here; the batter should remain lumpy but thick, which ensures a tender but not dense final bread.
Step 5: Transfer Batter and Add Banana Slices
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top out evenly. For an extra touch, arrange banana slices right on top before baking — it looks beautiful and adds a little fresh texture after baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 55-60 minutes. You’ll know your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe is done when the top is a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or with only a few moist crumbs, not wet batter).
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes before turning it out. This short cooling period allows it to set, making slicing easier without crumbling. Serve warm or at room temperature—the chocolate will still be delightfully melty if enjoyed warm!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
The simple banana slices on top during baking provide a natural garnish, but for an extra special touch, try sprinkling a few extra chocolate chips or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. A spread of butter or a drizzle of honey can also elevate your bite.
Side Dishes
This bread shines wonderfully beside a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or a snack. Pairing it with fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt adds freshness and balances its richness for a well-rounded experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing thick pieces and lightly toasting them before serving. You can also turn your bread into decadent French toast using this recipe, or cut it into cubes and make bread pudding with extra chocolate chips and a creamy custard. The options are endless and so tasty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. This preserves the moisture and keeps those chocolate chips delightfully melty.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe later, slice it and freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Just thaw slices at room temperature or toast them straight from frozen for a warm treat.
Reheating
To bring your banana bread back to life, pop slices in the toaster or warm them gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds. This not only revives the softness but reactivates that luscious melted chocolate, making each bite heavenly.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Very ripe bananas with brown spots are perfect because they are sweeter and mash easily, ensuring your bread is moist and flavorful as intended in this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Semisweet chocolate chips are ideal here because they balance the sweetness of the bananas without overpowering the bread. However, feel free to use milk chocolate or even dark chocolate chips depending on your taste preference.
Can I substitute the yogurt?
You can swap plain yogurt for sour cream or buttermilk for a similar tang and moisture level. Just keep it to the same amount to maintain the batter’s consistency.
What does the orange zest add to the bread?
The orange zest adds a bright, fresh note that lifts the flavor, cutting through the richness and complementing the banana and chocolate beautifully.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Look for a golden brown top and a toothpick inserted into the center coming out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick has wet batter, give it a few more minutes and test again.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a warm slice of homemade banana bread, and adding chocolate chips makes it even more special. This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe is a tried-and-true delight, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy every gooey, flavorful bite!
Print
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe is a moist and flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. It combines ripe bananas with the richness of melted butter, a hint of orange zest, and sweet semisweet chocolate chips for a delightful twist on classic banana bread. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for a comforting homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (3 grams)
Wet Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (341 grams, about 1½ cups)
- ¼ cup plain yogurt (57 grams)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled (85 grams, ¾ stick)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (from 1 orange)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (170 grams)
- 1 banana, sliced into â…›-inch slices (for topping, not overly ripe)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Oven: Grease and flour the bottom of a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Set the oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas well. Then add the plain yogurt, melted and cooled unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix thoroughly until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Lightly fold the mashed banana mixture and semisweet chocolate chips into the flour mixture using a rubber spatula. Mix gently just until combined; the batter should remain lumpy and thick, avoiding overmixing.
- Prepare the Batter for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and if desired, arrange the sliced banana evenly on top for decoration and extra banana flavor.
- Bake the Bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, carefully turn the bread out of the pan onto the rack and place it right side up. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- For an extra flavor boost, add a handful of chopped nuts if desired.
- If you prefer, substitute yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk for similar moisture and tang.
- Store leftover banana bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat slices briefly for a warm treat before serving.
