Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is one of those recipes I never really planned to perfect—it just happened over time, batch after batch, as bananas sat too long on the counter. What I’ve learned is that this bread is less about fancy technique and more about balance. Too much chocolate and it turns heavy, too little banana and it loses its soul. This version is moist, deeply banana-forward, and studded with just enough chocolate to feel indulgent without overpowering the bread itself.

Why This Banana Bread Always Works

This recipe hits the sweet spot between classic comfort and bakery-style richness.

• Soft, moist crumb that stays tender for days
• Strong banana flavor without being gummy
• Chocolate chips melt into pockets instead of sinking
• Simple ingredients and forgiving method
• Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert

Ingredients

Banana Bread Batter

• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1¼ cups)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Chocolate

• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon flour (for tossing chips)

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons milk if batter feels too thick

Instructions / Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas and melted butter
• Add brown sugar and granulated sugar
• Whisk in eggs and vanilla until smooth

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon

Step 4: Make the Batter

• Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture
• Mix just until no dry streaks remain
• Toss chocolate chips with flour and gently fold in

Step 5: Bake

• Pour batter into prepared pan
• Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top if desired
• Bake for 55–65 minutes
• Tent loosely with foil after 45 minutes if browning too quickly

Step 6: Cool

• Cool in pan for 15 minutes
• Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely

@scientifically.sweet

Preparation & Baking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 55–65 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 10–12 slices

Texture and Flavor Notes

This banana bread strikes a comforting balance.

• Moist, tender crumb without being oily
• Banana flavor comes through clearly
• Chocolate chips stay slightly melty when warm
• Light cinnamon warmth rounds out sweetness

It’s rich enough to feel like a treat, but restrained enough for everyday snacking.

Tips That Make a Difference

• Use bananas with deep brown spots for best flavor
• Don’t overmix after adding flour
• Toss chocolate chips in flour to prevent sinking
• Let bread cool fully before slicing
• Store tightly wrapped to retain moisture

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is versatile and crowd-pleasing.

• Serve warm with butter
• Pair with coffee or tea
• Add a drizzle of honey or nut butter
• Toast slices lightly for breakfast

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Room Temperature

• Store wrapped for up to 3 days

Refrigerator

• Keeps well for up to 5 days

Freezer

• Freeze slices individually up to 2 months

Reheating

• Microwave slices 10–15 seconds
• Toast lightly for crisp edges

Variations to Try

Healthier Banana Bread

• Replace half the flour with whole wheat
• Reduce sugar slightly

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

• Add ¼ cup cocoa powder
• Increase chocolate chips to 1 cup

Peanut Butter Banana Bread

• Swirl peanut butter into batter before baking

Banana Nut Chocolate Chip Bread

• Add chopped walnuts for crunch

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using underripe bananas
• Overbaking the loaf
• Skipping parchment lining
• Overmixing the batter
• Cutting before cooled

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw completely and drain excess liquid before using.

Why is my banana bread dense?

Overmixing or too much banana can cause heaviness.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use oil or plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Can I turn this into muffins?

Yes, bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

Does banana bread freeze well?

Yes, wrap tightly for best texture.

Why This Banana Bread Never Lasts Long

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread has a way of disappearing slice by slice without anyone noticing. It’s familiar, comforting, and just indulgent enough to feel special. Whether it’s baked for guests or made to use up overripe bananas, this is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in the kitchen rotation.