Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Introduction

About this recipe

Chocolate chip banana bread is a delightful take on the classic banana bread recipe, combining the rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate with the comforting sweetness of bananas. Perfect as a breakfast treat, midday snack, or evening dessert, this version of banana bread is moist, fluffy, and studded with melty chocolate chips in every bite. If you’re looking to elevate your banana bread game, this recipe from Butternut Bakery is sure to impress both you and anyone lucky enough to enjoy it.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Ingredients for the banana bread

This recipe calls for simple, easy-to-find ingredients that highlight the natural flavor of ripe bananas and the decadent addition of chocolate chips. Here’s what you need:

Ripe bananas, mashed (perfectly ripe ones ensure sweetness and deep flavor)
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Light brown sugar
Unsalted butter, melted
Eggs, for binding and richness
Vanilla extract
Baking soda
Salt
Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Why it’s so special

The combination of ingredients makes for a banana bread that strikes the perfect balance between decadence and comfort. The moist texture comes from the ripe bananas and butter, while the chocolate chips provide bursts of indulgent sweetness when melted in the finished loaf.

Prep Time

Quick and simple assembly

This recipe is incredibly straightforward to prepare, making it accessible even for beginners in the kitchen. From mashing the bananas to mixing your dry and wet ingredients together, everything comes together in no time.

Prep Time: Around 15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

All you need to know

Cook Time: 60-70 minutes, giving the banana bread enough time to bake through and become golden on top.
Total Time: Roughly 1 hour and 25 minutes, including time to cool after baking.
Yield: This recipe serves about 8, depending on portion size, and is perfect for sharing or indulging solo over a few days.

Final thoughts

Chocolate chip banana bread is the type of recipe that warms both the heart and stomach. By combining simple, wholesome ingredients with the decadence of chocolate chips, it’s a dessert that feels inviting and classic. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven, cooled and stored for later, or even lightly toasted, this banana bread is a treat worth trying. Happy baking!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an easy release.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until smooth. For best results, use bananas that are very ripe, with plenty of brown spots.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly distributed. This ensures the leavening agent and spices are well-combined before mixing with the wet ingredients.

Step 5: Fold Dry Into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it could result in a tough or dense bread.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips

Pour in the chocolate chips and fold them into the mixture until evenly dispersed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Pour Batter Into Pan

Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter out evenly.

Step 8: Bake

Place the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

Step 9: Cool the Bread

Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Afterward, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Note 1: Ripe Bananas

For the best flavor and sweetness, use bananas that are very ripe, with a lot of brown spots. Overripe bananas are easier to mash and blend perfectly into the batter.

Note 2: Chocolate Chips

Feel free to adjust the amount of chocolate chips based on your preference. You can also substitute them with dark chocolate, white chocolate chips, or other mix-ins like nuts.

Note 3: Storage

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze slices for up to 3 months.

Note 4: Avoid Overmixing

When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing the batter can lead to dense or tough banana bread.

Note 5: Testing Doneness

Be cautious while checking for doneness. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Baking times may vary slightly based on your oven.

Note 6: Loaf Pan Size

Ensure you use a 9×5-inch loaf pan for this recipe to achieve the correct texture and baking time. If using a slightly smaller or larger pan, adjust the baking time as needed.
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Cook techniques

Use overly ripe bananas

Using fully browned and even blackened bananas ensures maximum sweetness and flavor in your banana bread. The riper the bananas, the better.

Mash the bananas thoroughly

Mash the bananas until completely smooth to ensure the batter is evenly mixed without lumps. This helps evenly distribute the banana flavor.

Don’t overmix the batter

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, gently fold them together to preserve airiness in the batter. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture.

Use room temperature ingredients

Ensure the eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This allows all ingredients to blend smoothly, resulting in a uniform texture.

Layer chocolate chips evenly

Stir chocolate chips into the batter evenly to ensure every slice has a consistent distribution of chocolate.

Bake at a consistent temperature

Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer for accuracy. A steady baking temperature ensures an evenly baked bread with a tender crumb.

Check doneness with a toothpick

Insert a toothpick into the center of the banana bread. If it comes out clean with just a few crumbs, the bread is done.

Cool completely before slicing

Allow the banana bread to cool fully on a wire rack to prevent it from crumbling when sliced. This also allows flavors to set.

Add a finishing on top

Sprinkle chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sugar on top of the batter before baking to create a slightly crisp and flavorful topping.

FAQ

Why are overly ripe bananas better for banana bread?

Overly ripe bananas are softer and naturally sweeter, which enhances the flavor and consistency of the banana bread.

What type of chocolate chips should I use?

You can use semisweet, dark chocolate, or even milk chocolate chips based on your preference. Semisweet is a classic choice that balances the sweetness of the banana bread.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw frozen bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing and adding them to the batter.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for similar results.

How do I store banana bread?

Wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated to keep it fresh longer.

Can I freeze banana bread?

Yes, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

What can I use as a substitute for eggs?

You can replace eggs with mashed bananas, applesauce, or flaxseed mixed with water to make this recipe egg-free.

Why is my banana bread dry?

Overmixing the batter or baking the bread for too long can result in a dry texture. Ensure you follow the recipe guidelines and check for doneness using a toothpick.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the batter for added crunch and texture. Fold them in along with the chocolate chips.

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

This can happen if the batter is overmixed, or if the banana bread wasn’t baked long enough. Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature and avoid opening the oven while baking.

Can I make muffins with this batter?

Yes, this banana bread batter works perfectly for muffins. Adjust the baking time to around 18–22 minutes at the same temperature.

Conclusion

Chocolate chip banana bread is the perfect combination of rich chocolate sweetness and classic banana goodness. Every bite is soft, moist, and absolutely decadent, making it a standout recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether as a breakfast treat, a snack, or even dessert, this banana bread is guaranteed to delight any crowd.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Chocolate Banana Muffins

Try turning your chocolate chip banana bread into muffins for a convenient grab-and-go option. Bake them in a muffin tin and enjoy the same flavors in a portable form.

Peanut Butter Swirl Banana Bread

Enhance the recipe by adding a peanut butter swirl for an extra layer of richness. The combination of chocolate, banana, and peanut butter creates an irresistible flavor.

Walnut Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Incorporate chopped walnuts into the batter for texture and a nutty twist that pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips.

Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread

Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on top of the loaf before baking for a sweet and spiced crust.

Dark Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread

Swap chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks to create a slightly more intense chocolate flavor that compliments the natural sweetness of the bananas.

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Make this recipe even more indulgent by adding cocoa powder to the batter along with the chocolate chips. It’s perfect for chocolate lovers!