If you’ve ever dreamed of a treat that perfectly balances moist, tender banana bread with the delightful surprise of melty chocolate, this Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips Recipe is your new best friend. It’s comforting, full of flavor, and surprisingly simple to whip up. Each bite melts with natural sweetness from ripe bananas while pockets of chocolate chips add an irresistible richness that turns everyday banana bread into a showstopper. Whether for breakfast, snack time, or an anytime dessert, this recipe is a warm hug from the oven you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that you likely have on hand, yet each one plays a crucial role to bring out the best flavor and texture. From the fluffy crumb created by the proper leavening to the luscious sweetness of bananas and chocolate, every element adds up to delicious perfection.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the bread structure without weighing it down.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise beautifully and stay tender.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture for a soft crumb.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding extra richness.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: The star ingredient providing natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1/4 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Creates pockets of gooey, melty chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan well, so the bread won’t stick and releases easily once baked. Proper pan preparation makes a huge difference in your final presentation and ease of slicing.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, ensuring your bread rises perfectly and has a consistent texture.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, combine the melted butter with brown sugar, stirring until they blend into a luscious, smooth mixture. Next, beat in the eggs, mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract. This wet mixture carries all the rich flavors and moisture needed for that ideal banana bread crumb.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Mixtures Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding carefully without overmixing. This delicate step is key—overmixing can produce a dense bread, but gentle incorporation keeps it light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the batter. These little bursts of sweetness will provide delightful melty spots in the finished bread that everyone will love.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (aside from melted chocolate, of course). The bread should be golden brown on top with an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow your banana bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. A full cool ensures clean slices and helps the flavors set beautifully.
How to Serve Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few chocolate chips or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of charm. A dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese frosting can turn this simple bread into a decadent treat perfect for celebrations.
Side Dishes
Pair your banana bread with a hot cup of coffee or tea to enhance the comforting experience. Fresh berries or a small bowl of yogurt can add a refreshing contrast that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve slices of this Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips Recipe toasted with a spread of almond butter or honey. It also makes an excellent base for banana bread French toast, transforming leftovers into a new delightful breakfast option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and fresh for up to three days, making it perfect for quick snacks or breakfast on the go.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the bread well in foil and then place it in a freezer bag. In the freezer, it can last up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. The chocolate chips soften, and the bread becomes irresistibly soft again, just like fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use less sugar in this Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips Recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the brown sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet loaf. Keep in mind that sugar also affects moisture and texture, so don’t cut too much to maintain that soft crumb.
What type of bananas work best?
Very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are perfect. They have the sweetest flavor and provide the best moisture and natural sweetness for this recipe.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?
You can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend, but the texture will be a bit different—expect a denser loaf with whole wheat. Adjust baking time as needed.
Why does my banana bread sometimes turn out dry?
Overbaking or using underripe bananas can cause dryness. Make sure to test for doneness with a toothpick and use very ripe bananas to keep your bread moist and flavorful.
Can I add nuts to the Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips Recipe?
Yes! Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and complement the chocolate and banana flavor wonderfully. Add about 1/2 cup chopped nuts when folding in the chocolate chips.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips Recipe is more than just a quick fix for overripe bananas; it’s a truly heartwarming and satisfying treat. Its ease and deliciousness make it a perfect recipe to share with family and friends—once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it whenever you want a cozy, sweet escape. So go ahead, bake a loaf and enjoy every irresistible slice!
Print
Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
- Total Time: 75-80 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic banana bread with chocolate chips is moist, flavorful, and perfect for a snack or breakfast treat. Made with ripe bananas and rich chocolate chips, it combines a soft, tender crumb with the sweetness of chocolate in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, followed by the mashed ripe bananas, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated to avoid overmixing, which could toughen the bread.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter for pockets of melty chocolate.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
- If you don’t have milk, you can substitute with any plant-based milk or water.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the banana bread tender.
- Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a nutty variation, consider adding 1/2 cup chopped walnuts along with the chocolate chips.
