Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Banana bread is one of those classic comfort foods that never goes out of style. It’s moist, tender, and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, making it a perfect way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. But when you add chocolate chips into the mix, the result becomes absolutely irresistible—a rich, sweet, and slightly indulgent treat that feels like dessert yet works just as well for breakfast or a snack.
In this article, we’ll walk through a classic chocolate chip banana bread recipe and also share a vegan chocolate chip banana bread recipe so everyone can enjoy this delicious baked good. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, these recipes are easy, reliable, and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and flavorful: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and tenderness.
- Chocolatey goodness: Melty chocolate chips make each bite decadent.
- Versatile: Works as breakfast, snack, or dessert.
- Customizable: Easy to make gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan.
Ingredients for Classic Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
You’ll need the following ingredients for a traditional version:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- ½ cup butter (softened; unsalted is best)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a richer flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, adds warmth)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark chocolate work best)
Instructions – Classic Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mash bananas in a bowl until smooth.
- Cream butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until combined.
- Stir in mashed bananas.
- Whisk dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon) in a separate bowl.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top.
- Pour into loaf pan and top with extra chocolate chips.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
For those who follow a plant-based diet or prefer dairy-free baking, this vegan version is equally delicious.
Ingredients (Vegan):
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- ½ cup coconut oil or vegetable oil
- ¾ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and set for 5 minutes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions (Vegan):
- Prepare a flax egg by mixing flaxseed meal with water. Let it sit until gel-like.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mash bananas and stir in oil, sugar, vanilla, and flax egg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.
- Add chocolate chips, stirring just until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, sprinkle with extra chips, and bake for 55–60 minutes.
- Let cool before slicing.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread
- Use very ripe bananas: The darker the peel, the sweeter the bread.
- Do not overmix: Stir until just combined for a tender texture.
- Enhance with extras: Add nuts (walnuts, pecans), shredded coconut, or a swirl of peanut butter for more variety.
- Storage: Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Banana bread also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast treat: Enjoy a warm slice with coffee or tea.
- Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Snack: Pack slices in lunchboxes or enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make banana bread without eggs?
Yes! Use a flax egg or applesauce as an egg substitute in vegan recipes.
Q2: Why is my banana bread dry?
It may have been overbaked or had too much flour. Measure flour correctly and check the bread at the 50-minute mark.
Q3: Can I freeze banana bread?
Absolutely. Wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q4: Which chocolate chips are best for banana bread?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a classic choice, but dark chocolate adds richness while milk chocolate makes it sweeter.
Q5: Can I make banana bread gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Final Thoughts
Whether you stick to the classic chocolate chip banana bread recipe or try the vegan chocolate chip banana bread recipe, both versions are moist, delicious, and simple to make. This recipe is a go-to for overripe bananas, and the addition of chocolate chips makes it extra special. Bake a loaf today and share it with family and friends—you’ll find it disappears quickly!
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