Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

This chocolate chip banana bread transforms overripe bananas into a moist, decadent treat that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. The melted butter creates a tender crumb while chocolate chips add pockets of melty goodness throughout each slice.

I developed this recipe after experimenting with countless banana bread variations. When my daughter requested chocolate chips in her banana bread, this version became our Sunday morning tradition for weekend breakfasts.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour provides the perfect structure without becoming too dense
• Baking soda gives the bread its rise and helps create a tender texture
• Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness
• Unsalted butter adds richness and a buttery flavor that vegetable oil alone cannot provide
• Vegetable oil keeps the bread moist for days after baking
• Granulated sugar sweetens while helping create a slightly crisp exterior
• Eggs bind everything together and contribute to the breads structure
• Vanilla extract complements both the banana and chocolate flavors
• Overripe bananas with brown spots offer the strongest banana flavor and natural sweetness
• Semisweet chocolate chips balance the sweetness with slight bitterness look for high quality chips that melt well

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Pan

Proper preparation prevents sticking. The parchment paper sling makes removal effortless after baking. Ensure parchment extends up the sides for easy lifting once cooled.

Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisking the flour baking soda and salt separately ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout the batter preventing bitter spots from undistributed baking soda.

Combine Wet Ingredients

The melted but slightly cooled butter incorporates better than solid butter while maintaining richness. Mix thoroughly until the eggs are fully incorporated creating a smooth emulsion.

Incorporate Bananas

Mash bananas completely for even distribution but leave some small chunks if you enjoy little pockets of intense banana flavor throughout your bread.

Combine Wet and Dry

Use a gentle folding motion with a spatula until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten resulting in a tough dense bread rather than a tender moist loaf.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold gently to maintain air in the batter. Reserve a small handful to sprinkle on top for an attractive appearance with visible chocolate on the surface.

Bake to Perfection

The baking time varies depending on your oven and the moisture content of your bananas. Tenting with foil prevents excessive browning while allowing the center to cook completely.

Bookmark

The chocolate chips are what make this recipe special. I recommend using high quality semisweet chips rather than milk chocolate which can make the bread overly sweet. My grandmother always said that banana bread brings people together and with this recipe I find that to be absolutely true.

Storage Tips

This banana bread maintains its moisture beautifully when properly stored. Place completely cooled bread in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage refrigerate for up to a week though the texture is best within the first few days. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped separately for quick breakfasts simply thaw at room temperature or toast lightly before serving.

Make It Your Own

This recipe serves as a wonderful base for customization. Consider adding a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and nutty flavor. For a tropical twist fold in a third cup of shredded coconut along with the chocolate chips. White chocolate chips can replace semisweet for a sweeter variation. For a more adult version add two tablespoons of rum or bourbon to the wet ingredients the alcohol will bake off leaving behind complex flavor notes that complement the banana beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own this bread reaches new heights with thoughtful accompaniments. Serve warm slices with a smear of salted butter that melts into the bread. For a dessert presentation drizzle slices with warm caramel sauce and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. At breakfast pair with fresh fruit and Greek yogurt for a balanced meal. Consider serving thin toasted slices with cream cheese for an unexpected afternoon treat with coffee or tea.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I know when my bananas are ripe enough for banana bread?

The best bananas for banana bread are overripe with plenty of brown spots or even mostly brown skins. They should be soft to the touch and have a strong banana aroma. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

→ Can I freeze this chocolate chip banana bread?

Yes! This bread freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

→ Why does my banana bread sometimes sink in the middle?

Banana bread can sink for several reasons: your oven temperature might be too high, the bread might be underbaked, you may have used too much leavening agent, or you might have overmixed the batter. Be sure to follow the mixing instructions carefully and check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer.

→ Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and nutty flavor. Using 100% whole wheat flour will result in a denser loaf, so it's best to use a combination unless you prefer a more rustic texture.

→ What can I add to this banana bread besides chocolate chips?

This versatile bread welcomes many additions! Try chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, a swirl of peanut butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a handful of shredded coconut. You can also try different chocolate varieties like milk, dark, or white chocolate chips.

→ How should I store chocolate chip banana bread?

Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To maintain moisture, place a paper towel underneath the bread if storing in a container.