Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is that cozy, sweet treat that feels like a warm hug on a cool day. It’s made with ripe bananas that bring natural sweetness and soft, moist texture, combined with little pockets of melty chocolate chips that make every bite special and delicious.
I love making this bread when I have some overripe bananas sitting on the counter because it feels like turning something simple into a real homemade delight. The chocolate chips add just the right amount of extra fun, and I sometimes throw in a handful of chopped nuts for a bit of crunch.
It’s perfect for breakfast with a smear of butter or as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. I find that it also makes a great gift to share with friends because it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whenever I bake it, the whole kitchen fills with the smell of bananas and chocolate, which always makes me smile.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are your best friend here. The riper, the sweeter and softer your bread will be. If you’re short on bananas, mashed pumpkin or applesauce can add moisture but won’t give the same flavor.
Butter: Melted butter gives great richness. For a lighter touch, try using oil like vegetable or canola oil. I find butter adds the best flavor, but oil works well too.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: This keeps the bread moist and soft. If you don’t have these, you can swap in an equal amount of buttermilk or milk with a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are classic. You can also use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate if you want to switch things up. I like mixing in a handful of chopped nuts for texture.
How Can I Avoid Overmixing the Batter?
Overmixing makes banana bread tough instead of tender. To keep it soft, gently fold the dry ingredients in rather than stirring hard.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients separately first.
- Add dry to wet gradually, then stir just until you don’t see flour anymore.
- When folding in chocolate chips, use a light hand to avoid breaking them up.
This careful mixing helps keep your banana bread moist and crumbly, making each slice a real treat!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×5 inch loaf pan – I like this size because it bakes evenly and slices nicely.
- Mixing bowls – a medium and large one make it easy to prepare everything separately.
- Whisk or spoon – for mixing the dry ingredients smoothly.
- Rubber spatula – helps fold in the chocolate chips without breaking them.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy with ingredients.
- Parchment paper or baking spray – to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- White chocolate chips or chunks – for a sweeter, milder chocolate flavor.
- Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans – add crunch and nutty flavor.
- Blueberries or raspberries – mix fresh or frozen for a fruity twist.
- Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg – sprinkle into the batter for extra warmth and depth.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60-70 minutes to bake. After baking, allow about 10 minutes to cool in the pan, then cool completely before slicing. Overall, plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan well or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar thoroughly until smooth. Beat the eggs in one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Add Bananas and Sour Cream
Stir in your mashed bananas and sour cream or yogurt until everything is well combined.
5. Bring Wet and Dry Together
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Mix just until all the dry ingredients disappear—be careful not to overmix!
6. Add Chocolate Chips
Fold the chocolate chips into the batter evenly, saving a few to sprinkle on top if you like.
7. Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a little melted chocolate (but no raw batter).
8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature—it’s delicious either way!
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Yes! Thaw frozen bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid extra moisture in the batter.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.
Can I Substitute Sour Cream With Something Else?
Absolutely! Plain yogurt or buttermilk works great as a substitute and keeps the bread moist and tender.
Will Using Dark Chocolate Chips Change the Flavor?
Yes, dark chocolate chips will give the bread a richer, slightly less sweet taste compared to semi-sweet chips. Feel free to adjust based on your preference!
