If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, irresistible treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, look no further than this Sweet Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe. It perfectly marries the natural sweetness and moistness of ripe bananas with gooey, melty chocolate chips that add just the right amount of indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or an easy dessert, this recipe brings together simple ingredients with flavorful magic that anyone can enjoy and feel proud to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sweet Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together effortlessly but deliver amazing taste and texture. Each element has a purpose, from the buttery richness to the aromatic cinnamon and the chocolate that melts into pockets of gooey goodness.
- Butter (5 oz): I prefer Kerrygold unsalted for a creamy, rich flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Sugar (3/4 cup): Just enough to sweeten without overpowering the banana’s natural flavor.
- Eggs (2, room temperature): Essential for structure and moisture; brings it all together.
- Ripe Bananas (3, mashed): The star of the show – make sure they’re very ripe for maximum natural sweetness and softness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): King Arthur brand works wonderfully for consistent texture.
- Baking Soda (1 tsp): Helps the bread rise just right with a tender crumb.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Gives a hint of spice without overwhelming the chocolate or banana.
- Chocolate Chips (1 1/4 cups total): I always use Ghirardelli semi-sweet for that perfect melt and moist texture.
How to Make Sweet Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures the bread comes out clean without sticking, setting the stage for a perfect bake.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step introduces air into the mix, giving the bread a lighter texture, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. Using room temperature eggs helps keep the batter smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate Mashed Bananas
Stir in your perfectly mashed bananas until fully blended. The bananas bring moisture and a natural sweetness that makes every bite tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices throughout the bread.
Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet banana mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so gentle folding is key for a soft crumb.
Step 7: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in 1 cup of the chocolate chips to the batter, reserving the 1/4 cup for topping. This creates bursts of melted chocolate inside the bread and a slightly crunchy topping once baked.
Step 8: Pour and Top
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips evenly over the surface for a sweet, inviting finish.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Bake for about 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs attached. The bread should be golden brown on top and fragrant with warm banana and chocolate aromas.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling prevents it from becoming soggy and makes slicing easier.
How to Serve Sweet Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is delicious on its own, but if you want to dress it up, try a light spread of softened butter or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness and shine. A sprinkle of powdered sugar also adds a pretty, homemade touch perfect for sharing.
Side Dishes
Pair your banana bread with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting snack. It also goes wonderfully with fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt if you want a balanced breakfast or brunch option.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve slices topped with creamy peanut butter or almond butter and extra chocolate chips on top. You can also cut the bread into cubes, toast them slightly, and use them in a bread pudding or as croutons for a dessert salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Sweet Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to four days.
Freezing
This banana bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil or a freezer bag, and store for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked warmth, pop a slice in the toaster oven for a few minutes or warm it gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This melts the chocolate chips perfectly and restores the moist, tender texture.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually ideal for this Sweet Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe because they are sweeter and easier to mash, which enhances the flavor and moisture of the bread.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips, like Ghirardelli, are my favorite because they balance sweetness and bitterness, melting nicely to create that perfect moist texture and rich chocolate pockets.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to mimic the texture gluten provides.
Is cinnamon necessary in this recipe?
While optional, cinnamon adds a subtle warmth and depth that complements the bananas and chocolate beautifully, making each bite more flavorful.
How can I tell when the banana bread is done?
The best way is to insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—not wet batter. The bread will also have a lovely golden-brown color on top.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as baking and sharing this Sweet Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe with people you care about. It’s a timeless classic that’s easy to make and hard to resist. I hope you enjoy every bite as much as I do, and that it brings a little extra joy to your kitchen and your day.
Print
Sweet Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sweet Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe combines ripe bananas with rich butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips to create a moist, delicious quick bread. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, it features a tender crumb with a hint of cinnamon and smooth vanilla essence.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 5 oz unsalted butter (preferably Kerrygold), melted
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature (about 70°F)
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed until smooth
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (Ghirardelli recommended for texture and moisture)
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for topping or folding in)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is fully heated by the time your batter is ready.
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Melt Butter and Combine Wet Ingredients: Melt the butter and combine it with sugar in a mixing bowl, stirring until well blended but not overly beaten.
- Add Eggs and Bananas: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently just until combined without overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Fold 1 cup of the chocolate chips into the batter evenly for bursts of chocolate throughout.
- Pour Batter and Add Topping: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips over the top for a decorative and delicious finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Room temperature eggs mix better and create a smoother batter.
- Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to avoid a dense texture.
- Try using different types of chocolate chips such as dark chocolate or white chocolate for variations.
- Store any leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
