There is something irresistibly comforting about a warm slice of homemade banana chocolate chip bread fresh from the oven. This Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with melty pockets of chocolate chips for a treat that feels both cozy and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon snack, this bread is sure to win hearts with its tender crumb and rich, buttery flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by baking—this recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating a loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and perfectly sweetened.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter: At room temperature for creamy, easy mixing and a rich buttery taste.
- 1 ½ cups sugar: Provides the perfect touch of sweetness balancing the bananas and chocolate.
- 2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the bread.
- 1 â…“ tablespoons milk: Adds moisture to keep the bread tender and soft.
- 3 ripened bananas: The star ingredient for natural sweetness and moistness; the riper, the better!
- 2 cups flour: Forms the bread’s backbone—use all-purpose flour for the ideal texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: A gentle leavening agent that helps the bread rise beautifully.
- ½ bag chocolate chips: Melt into gooey bursts of chocolate throughout each bite; add more or less as you prefer.
How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This ensures your banana chocolate chip bread will bake evenly and won’t stick when it’s time to enjoy.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is key to creating a tender crumb and helps the sugars dissolve evenly for a smooth batter.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Milk
Next, beat in your eggs one at a time, followed by the milk. These ingredients incorporate moisture and richness, making the bread wonderfully soft without being dense or heavy.
Step 4: Mash and Mix Bananas
In a separate bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth with just a few chunks left for texture. Fold them gently into your wet mixture, adding natural sweetness and that signature banana flavor that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently to combine just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so keep it light and airy.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Finally, sprinkle in the chocolate chips and fold them through the batter evenly. This step guarantees gooey chocolate in every slice, turning your banana chocolate chip bread into pure bliss.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely—this sets your loaf perfectly.
How to Serve Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate your loaf’s presentation and add an extra touch of sweetness. For a fresh contrast, try topping slices with a spread of softened cream cheese or a smear of nut butter.
Side Dishes
This banana chocolate chip bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a relaxing break. To make a fuller breakfast, serve it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a small bowl of oatmeal.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not jazz up your loaf by slicing it thick and toasting it lightly? Add fresh berries and whipped cream for a decadent brunch treat or cut into cubes and serve with ice cream for an easy dessert. The versatility of this recipe means you can enjoy it in endless delightful ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your banana chocolate chip bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 to 3 days, maintaining that moist, soft texture you love.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer bag. It will last up to 3 months frozen without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring your frozen or refrigerated banana chocolate chip bread back to life, warm slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or toast slices gently for a crispy crust with melty chocolate. It’s just like freshly baked again!
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas in this Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing, so your batter isn’t too watery.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips strike the perfect balance, but feel free to use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference. You can even mix them up for a fun twist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in a 1:1 ratio, but be mindful that texture might vary slightly.
Is it necessary to let the bread cool before slicing?
While it’s tempting to dig in right away, letting the bread cool prevents it from crumbling and helps the flavors settle, giving you the best eating experience.
How ripe should my bananas be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots—they are sweeter and will give your bread a richer banana flavor.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe is like a warm hug on a busy day—simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re baking it for family, friends, or yourself, this bread delivers comfort and joy with every bite. So grab those ripe bananas and get ready to fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that promises delicious moments ahead.
Print
Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (1 loaf, approximately 8 slices)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Banana Chocolate Chip Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. It combines ripe bananas, rich butter, and sweet chocolate chips to create a delicious treat that’s easy to make and loved by all.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 â…“ tablespoons milk
- 3 ripened bananas
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Other
- ½ bag chocolate chips (about ¾ cup; adjust to preference)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
- Mix Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Add the milk and mash in the ripened bananas until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. This ensures even distribution of the baking soda throughout the flour for proper rising.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Add Chocolate Chips. Fold in half a bag of chocolate chips, about ¾ cup, or adjust according to your preference for sweetness and chocolate flavor.
- Pour and Bake. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For an extra moist bread, use fully ripened bananas with brown spots.
- Chocolate chips can be substituted with chopped nuts or dried fruit if desired.
- To store, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- This bread can also be frozen for up to 2 months; slice before freezing for convenience.
- For a healthier option, substitute half the sugar with honey or maple syrup, and use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
