Learn how to make an easy banana bread recipe that has a little chocolate flavor hit thanks to the addition of dark chocolate chips!
This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe is one of those things that just makes sense, you know? It takes a deliciously moist banana bread recipe, and tones down the sweetness with some dark chocolate chips.
If you're one of those people that doesn't like your banana bread sweeter than honey, but still wants to experience the joys of homemade banana bread, then this recipe is for you.
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Why add chocolate chips to banana bread
I'll be totally honest with you, bestie. I'm traditionally not a fan of most banana bread recipes. And typically, anytime I made banana bread, it meant one thing. And one thing only.
That I had overripe bananas.
But then somewhere along the line, I realised that banana bread doesn't need to be crazy sweet. And that it pairs perfectly with one of my favourite ingredients (chocolate, of course!). It didn't take long for this chocolate chip banana bread recipe to be born!
Ingredients
- Very ripe bananas, peeled
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Salt, a pinch
- Baking soda
- Granulated sugar
- Large egg, beaten
- Vanilla Extract
- All Purpose Flour
- Dark chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 4ร8 loaf pan.
In a large bowl, mash the overripe bananas until smooth, and stir in the melted butter. Continue to whisk in the salt, baking soda, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until completely incorporated with your initial banana mixture. (Though not correct in the technical sense, I consider this a completion of the wet ingredients stage.)
To proceed with your dry ingredients, add the flour and chocolate chips to your wet ingredient bowl, and fold in until no streaks of flour are visible.
Pour the prepared banana bread batter into a prepared loaf pan (make sure that you’ve buttered the pan, or sprayed it with a nonstick cooking spray…or neatly lined it with parchment paper), and bake for 50 minutes to an hour, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Remove from the oven, and cool to room temperature on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy!
Variation ideas
This recipe is easy to play around with. Here are a few simple variations that you may want to explore. Why would you want to explore? Well, sometimes to find the best banana bread recipe for you it helps to adjust according to your preferences.
What kind of chocolate chips to use
I prefer dark chocolate chips, however milk chocolate chips will work fine, as well any variety of semi-sweet chocolate chips. If you’re feeling more adventurous, switch out the chocolate for caramel chips.
Ah, nuts!
Nuts are a somewhat popular addition to banana bread recipes. You can add some walnuts or pecans to this recipe without too much fuss.
Toppings
If you’re feeling like you want to add to this recipe, try starting with a sprinkle of brown sugar on top of the banana bread (add it just before baking), or drizzle a little melted chocolate over the baked banana bread.
If you prefer a less indulgent topping, you can try adding a little Greek yogurt.
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The secret to making Chocolate Chip Banana Bread moist
If you've ever wondered how to make super moist banana bread, you may have gathered that there's a secret that the banana bread Illuminati have been keeping from you. Well, you're wrong.
There isn't *A* secret to making perfectly moist banana bread.
There are *TWO* secrets:
- Overripe bananas are crucial - you want the peels to be turning black and soft.
- Frozen bananas result in extra moist banana bread.
That said, this recipe doesn't need frozen bananas. It does however require overripe bananas (next time, someone gives you an unimpressed look for letting the bananas go soft, tell them you're making chocolate chip banana breadโฆand that they can't have any. That'll show 'em!), and using fresh, perfectly ripe bananas may result in some disappointment.
I mean, don't get me wrong. You'll still be able to make yummy chocolate chip banana bread. It just won't be that earth-shattering experience you lie awake at night thinking about.
Storage
This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread can be easily stored in an airtight container for up to five days. If you don’t have an airtight container, plastic wrap will work, but likely only for up to around three days in the refrigerator.
Freezing
I generally don’t recommend freezing any breads (even quick breads, like this recipe) as the texture is often affected when thawing. However, this can be wrapped and frozen for up to one month. Make sure to let the banana bread thaw completely before eating!
Helpful Tools
The link below is an affiliate link. This means that if you choose to purchase using it, I will receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you). These small commissions help keep Chocolates & Chai going. Thank you.
You'll need a loaf pan such as this 4×8 inch Good Cook Loaf Pan to bake your chocolate chip banana bread in. If you already have a basic loaf pan, you're golden.
If you tried this chocolate chip banana bread recipe, please do comment below and let me know what you think! Or if you have a favourite twist on traditional banana bread, tell me all about it!
๐ Recipe
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe is quick, easy, and the perfect way to use up overripe bananas.
Ingredients
- 3–4 very ripe bananas, peeled
- โ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Salt, a pinch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ยพ cup Sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 ยฝ cups All Purpose Flour
- ยฝ cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 4×8 loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.
- Continue to mix in salt, baking soda, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until completely incorporated.
- Add flour and chocolate chips, fold in until no streaks remain.
- Pour batter into loaf pan, and bake for 50 minutes to an hour, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from oven, and cool on a wire rack. Serve!
Notes
Tip: Using previously frozen bananas results in even moister banana bread. But I'm personally fine with just 3-4 overripe bananas that never had to spend any time in the freezer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Savannah
How do you use the frozen bananas? I have plenty that I use for smoothies and want to try – but not sure if you need them to come to room temp before mashing?
Riz
Hey Savannah, yes! Let them thaw out a bit before mashing. They don’t necessarily need to come all the way down to room temp, but just enough so that you can mash them comfortably ๐ This recipe doesn’t need frozen bananas, but should be great with (or without) them! Hope you enjoy it!
Riz
Melanie @ Bon Appet'eat
A classic never goes out of style! Yummy!
Colleen
Hi Riz, This banana bread looks so perfect! I have never used chocolate chips in a banana bread, (why not, I’m wondering) so I must try this!
Riz
Glad I could be of help! (Though in my case, I try chocolate with almost everything. I had leftover pound cake the other day…melted chocolate on top. Not even joking!)
Jo Vanderwolf
Loooove me some banana bread. Personally I prefer a little chocolate in my banana bread by my sister insists on using butterscotch chips. I’ll be giving your version a go next time I have some over ripe bananas. ๐
Riz
Ohh, a butterscotch version actually sounds quite delicious Jo! I might give that a try too! Thank you to you and your sister for the idea!
Riz
Thanks Melanie! I agree, banana bread is always in fashion!
Denise from Urbnspice
”There’s nothing like a good banana bread and your recipe sounds wonderful, Riz! Chocolate brings it up and over the top. I can’t wait to try it.
Riz
Thanks so much Denise! I hope you enjoy it!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Love banana bread, especially with chocolate (because who doesn’t love chocolate??). I knew about the overripe banana tip, but didn’t know of the frozen banana one….definitely will have to try that next time. Usually they just go in my smoothies, but saving some next time and making this – perfect with a cuppa tea ๐
Riz
Oh! Let me know what you think after trying the frozen banana trick! And yes, a cuppa for me too please!
Lizzy
Ohhh I love a good Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe and this looks delicious!! Also, thanks for the frozen banana tip! I will have to try this next time ๐
Riz
Thanks for passing by Lizzy! Happy Banana Bread-ing! ๐
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking
It’s been a while since I made banana bread, so this has triggered a craving! And.I happen to have some very overripe bananas on the counter, so I may have to whip up a batch this weekend!
Riz
Ah, that’s amazing Leanne! Hope they turned out delicious!!
Reem
It’s almost midnight and I have a few bananas in the fridge that are begging to be put into a recipe like this one! I love banana bread and can’t wait to make my own for the first time tonight! Wish me luck!
Riz
This is your first SOLO banana bread expedition??! I’M HONOURED. Thanks so much for using my recipe!!! And LOTS OF GOOD LUCK. You’ve got this!!! ๐
Chris C
Oh. Love us a good banana bread recipe!
LeeAnn
Good evening Riz๐๐
So I have stumbled upon your page, looking for a ๐ banana bread recipe. I am about to make it tonight and I have this gut feeling that’s it’s going to be amazing. I will add a photo when it’s all done. (Also I will be using my frozen ๐)
LeeAnn
OMG Riz I have to say AMAZING.
I have never been able to make such a moist ๐bread in my life.
But one thing I didn’t have was baking soda for some reason so what I did was magic powder (baking powder) and because I made 3 batches I just added x3 extra then original but I wish I could add a picture here for everyone to see because it turned out beyond amazing I love it thank you so much Riz
Riz
Hi LeeAnn,
Yaay! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this banana bread recipe so much! If you use Instagram, please feel free to tag me (@yamisohungry) in a picture of the banana bread – I’d love to see it!