Delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe: A Sweet & Easy Treat

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread filling your kitchen. And when you add melty chocolate chips to the mix, you’ve got a truly irresistible treat! This **chocolate chip banana bread recipe** is a personal favorite in my home, especially when those bananas on the counter start getting a little too ripe. It’s incredibly moist, packed with sweet banana flavor, and features those delightful pockets of melted chocolate that make every bite pure bliss. If you’ve been searching for a foolproof and delicious way to use up ripe bananas, this is the recipe you need.

My love affair with banana bread started years ago, but adding chocolate chips truly elevated it to another level. The first time I pulled a loaf of this **banana bread chocolate chip recipe** from the oven, the golden crust and the sweet scent were simply intoxicating. My family devoured it, warm from the oven, proving that this simple addition turns a classic into an extraordinary treat. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly magical. Get ready to bake the most `moist chocolate chip banana bread recipe` you’ve ever tasted, and make this your new go-to **chocolate chip banana bread recipe**.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• **Incredibly Moist:** Ripe bananas and a few simple tricks ensure a super moist crumb every time.
• **Easy to Make:** This **chocolate chip banana bread recipe** uses basic pantry ingredients and straightforward steps.
• **Crowd-Pleasing Flavor:** The combination of sweet banana and rich chocolate is universally loved.
• **Versatile:** Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a simple dessert.
• **Great for Ripe Bananas:** The best way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.

Ingredients

The key to a truly delicious **chocolate chip banana bread recipe** is using ripe bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Beyond that, the ingredients are simple staples you likely already have. This **banana bread recipe with chocolate chips** is all about balance and flavor. You will love how simple these ingredients are to find and how they come together to make an amazing bread.

• **Ripe Bananas:** 3-4 very ripe bananas, mashed. These provide natural sweetness and moisture.
• **All-Purpose Flour:** The foundation for the bread’s structure.
• **Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar:** A mix adds sweetness and a rich, moist texture.
• **Eggs:** Help bind the ingredients and add richness.
• **Melted Butter or Oil:** For moisture and tenderness.
• **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances all the other flavors.
• **Baking Soda:** The leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
• **Salt:** Balances the sweetness.
• **Chocolate Chips:** Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips are perfect for those melty pockets.

Instructions

Prepare Your Oven & Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy removal. This is a crucial step for your **chocolate chip banana bread recipe** so it doesn’t stick.

Mash Bananas & Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth (a few lumps are fine!). Stir in the melted butter or oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. This is the wet base for your delicious **banana bread recipe chocolate chip**.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps in the flour. This creates the dry base for your **chocolate chip banana bread recipe**.

Combine Wet & Dry:

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bread. Fold in the chocolate chips. This completes your amazing **banana bread with chocolate chips recipe** batter.

Bake to Perfection:

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the edges set. The exact baking time can vary, so check for doneness.

Cool & Serve:

Let the **chocolate chip banana bread** cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully lifting it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing it warm is tempting, but letting it cool fully makes for cleaner slices. This is how you get a perfect **chocolate chip banana bread recipe** that is moist and delicious.

You Must Know

The key to making the `moist chocolate chip banana bread recipe` is using very ripe bananas. They should have plenty of brown spots on their peels – the darker they are, the sweeter and more moist your bread will be. Also, resist the urge to overmix the batter; mixing just until the ingredients are combined prevents the bread from becoming tough. This **chocolate chip banana bread recipe** is all about getting that perfect balance of sweetness and moisture. These simple tips will ensure your **banana bread recipe with chocolate chips** comes out perfectly every time.

Storage Tips

Store your cooled **chocolate chip banana bread** in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week. This bread also freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

This **chocolate chip banana bread recipe** is wonderfully versatile. You can easily swap out the chocolate chips for chopped walnuts or pecans for a delicious `chocolate chip walnut banana bread` variation. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You can also reduce the amount of sugar if your bananas are extremely ripe. For another delightful treat, be sure to check out our Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats. For more professional baking and health tips, you can explore resources from King Arthur Baking Company. This **banana bread chocolate chip recipe** is adaptable to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

This **chocolate chip banana bread recipe** is perfect on its own, but it’s even better with a few additions. Serve it warm with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of cream cheese. It makes a fantastic breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a simple dessert with a cup of coffee or tea.

Cultural and Historical Notes

Banana bread, as we know it today, gained popularity in the United States during the Great Depression as a way to use up overripe bananas, which were becoming more accessible thanks to increased imports. Its rise coincided with the availability of baking soda and baking powder, making quick breads possible. The addition of chocolate chips is a more modern, decadent twist that has become a beloved variation. This **chocolate chip banana bread recipe** continues a rich tradition of resourceful and delicious home baking.

Seasonal Adaptations

This **chocolate chip banana bread recipe** is a year-round favorite. In the fall, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor. In the summer, try adding some fresh berries along with the chocolate chips for a fruity twist.

Three Helpful Notes about This Recipe

• Don’t throw away those overripe bananas! They’re essential for the best flavor and moisture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter; mix until just combined to keep the bread tender.
• Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing for cleaner cuts and a better texture.

Success Stories

I’ve heard so many enthusiastic responses from readers who have tried this **chocolate chip banana bread recipe**. Many have said it quickly replaced their old recipes, with comments like, “This is the best **banana bread recipe with chocolate chips** I’ve ever made – so moist!” It consistently delivers a delicious, comforting result that earns rave reviews every time.

Freezer Meal Conversion

This **chocolate chip banana bread recipe** is fantastic for freezing. Once the loaf is completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature for several hours or overnight. You can also slice the loaf before freezing, allowing you to thaw individual portions as needed for a quick treat.

Pro Tips

• For an extra deep banana flavor, roast your ripe bananas in their peels in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until very soft and dark. Scoop out the pulp and mash.
• Use a combination of semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips for a more complex chocolate flavor.
• A sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top of the batter before baking adds a beautiful, sparkling crust.

Common Recipe Questions

how to make chocolate chip banana bread recipe

To make **chocolate chip banana bread recipe**, you’ll mash ripe bananas, then mix with melted butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Combine with flour, baking soda, and salt, then fold in chocolate chips. Bake in a loaf pan until golden and moist.

Can I add chocolate chips to banana bread recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely add chocolate chips to any **banana bread recipe**! It’s a popular and delicious addition that enhances the sweetness and richness of the bread. Just fold them into the batter as the last step before pouring into the loaf pan.

What makes chocolate chip banana bread moist?

The moisture in **chocolate chip banana bread recipe** comes primarily from the very ripe mashed bananas. Using melted butter or oil and not overmixing the batter also contributes to a tender, moist crumb.

chocolate banana bread recipe

A **chocolate banana bread recipe** can refer to a loaf where cocoa powder is added to the batter for an overall chocolate flavor, often with chocolate chips included. This recipe is a variation of that, focusing on banana bread with chocolate chips as an addition.

chocolate chip walnut banana bread

A **chocolate chip walnut banana bread** recipe is a delicious variation that adds chopped walnuts along with the chocolate chips to the batter. The nuts provide a lovely crunch and earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the banana and chocolate.

What You’ll Need

→ Wet Ingredients

3-4 very ripe bananas, mashed

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 tsp vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

→ Add-ins

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

→ Tools

9×5-inch loaf pan

Parchment paper

Large mixing bowls

Fork or potato masher

Whisk and spatula

Steps to Follow

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, mash bananas. Stir in melted butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet; mix gently until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
7. Cool in pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Extra Handy Tips

For an extra boost of banana flavor, use bananas that are almost black on the outside.

A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking creates a beautiful, sparkling crust.

You can add a tablespoon of milk or sour cream to the batter for added moisture.

Tools You’ll Need

• Loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Fork/masher
• Whisk/spatula
• Measuring cups/spoons

Allergy Details

This **chocolate chip banana bread recipe** contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. It is important to verify ingredient labels and consult a healthcare professional if you have allergies.