Chocolate chip Banana Bread

This easy chocolate chip banana bread is the perfect combination of rich, moist banana flavor and indulgent chocolate chunks. It’s a simple, one-bowl recipe that comes together quickly and delivers a delicious treat for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or just craving a sweet loaf, this banana bread is sure to satisfy your taste buds with every bite.

Easy and Quick Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe – Perfect for Busy Mornings

I absolutely love making this chocolate chip banana bread because it’s so easy and quick, with simple ingredients that I always have on hand. Whenever I have a bunch of ripe bananas, it’s my go-to recipe. Not only is it simple to make, but my kids absolutely adore it as well. Moreover, it’s the perfect way to sneak in some fruit while satisfying their sweet tooth. Especially great for those mornings when we’re in a rush and don’t have time for a full breakfast, a slice of this banana bread is both delicious and filling. In fact, it makes the perfect on-the-go option to start our day! Overall, it’s one of those recipes that never fails to bring comfort and smiles to the whole family.

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Recipe summary

prep time: 10 minutes

cook time: 45 minutes

cooling time: 30 minutes

cuisine:American

flavor profile:sweet, rich, and slightly fruity flavor

texture: moist and soft 

why you should make this recipe

First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare with simple ingredients you likely already have at home. Additionally, the steps are straightforward, making it a perfect choice for both beginner and experienced bakers. Furthermore, it’s a great way to use overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.

Moreover, the result is a moist, flavorful bread that your whole family will love. Not only is it delicious on its own, but the addition of chocolate chips and optional nuts adds extra richness and texture. On top of that, this recipe is versatile—you can easily turn it into banana muffins or double the batch for a larger loaf.

Finally, it’s the ideal breakfast or snack when you’re in a rush. You can quickly grab a slice for a quick, satisfying bite, and it stores well for days. Overall, this banana bread is a must-try for its ease, flavor, and versatility!

Ingredients for chocolate chip banana bread

Bananas: Provides natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.

Flour: The base for the bread, giving it structure.

Sugar, sweetener, or honey: Adds sweetness and helps with the bread’s texture.

Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps with leavening.

Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and keeps the bread soft.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor, making it richer.

Baking soda: Helps the bread rise and become light and fluffy.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Milk chocolate chips: Adds pockets of sweetness and chocolatey richness.

Pecans (optional): Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Golden raisins (optional): Offers a subtle sweetness and chewy texture.

Each ingredient plays a key role in making this banana bread soft, flavorful, and delicious!

How to make the best chocolate chip banana bread

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

• Mash the Bananas: Start by peeling ripe bananas and mashing them in a bowl until smooth.

• Gather the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the baking soda is evenly distributed and helps the bread rise properly.

Step 2: Mixing the Batter

• Combine Wet Ingredients: In the bowl with the mashed bananas, add the sugar (or sweetener/honey), egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.

• Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread light and soft.

• Add Chocolate Chips & Optional Add-ins: Gently fold in milk chocolate chips (or other mix-ins like raisins and nuts). Reserve some of chocolate chips for topping the bread later.

Step 3: Preparing for Baking

• Grease the Pan: Grease a loaf pan with oil or butter to prevent the bread from sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

• Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and spread it out evenly.

• Top with Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top of the batter, along with the optional pecans if you’re using them.

Step 4: Baking

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C). A slightly lower temperature ensures even baking and prevents the top from over-browning.

• Bake the Banana Bread: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Cooling and Serving

let it cool down completely then slice

How to ripen bananas for chocolate chip banana bread

Oven Method:

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

Place unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the peels are dark and the bananas are soft. Let them cool before using.

Paper Bag Method:

Place your bananas in a paper bag and fold it shut.

The bananas will ripen faster due to the ethylene gas they release. This method usually takes 1-2 days.

Microwave Method (Quickest):

Peel the bananas and place them in a microwave-safe bowl.

Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, mashing them in between until soft and mushy.

Tips and tricks

Use Overripe Bananas:The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. If your bananas have brown spots, they’re perfect! You can even freeze them and use them later.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough banana bread. Stir gently to keep it light and fluffy.

Try Different Mix-ins:If you like variety, experiment with different add-ins. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit like cranberries or apricots can bring new flavors to your bread.

Swirl in Peanut Butter or Nutella:For a fun twist, add a few spoonfuls of peanut butter or Nutella to the batter and swirl it through before baking. It adds a creamy, delicious surprise in every slice!

Use a Darker Loaf Pan for Even Baking:If you have a dark-colored loaf pan, it may cook faster, so keep an eye on the bread. If it’s browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil to prevent it from overbaking.

Check for Doneness Early:Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your banana bread at around 40 minutes. If a toothpick comes out clean, it’s ready to come out of the oven.

Cool Completely Before Slicing:Let your banana bread cool completely before slicing. This helps it set and results in cleaner, more even slices.

Add a Pinch of Cinnamon or Nutmeg:A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor and give your banana bread a lovely spice that complements the bananas and chocolate.

Freeze for Later:If you make a large batch, slice the banana bread and freeze the slices individually. That way, you can easily grab a piece when you’re in a hurry.

Notes

This chocolate chio banana bread recipe makes one small loaf. If you choose to use a bundt pan or a larger loaf pan, just double the recipe.

You can also turn this banana bread recipe into banana muffins! Simply divide the batter into a muffin tin, and bake for around 18–20 minutes at the same temperature (340°F), checking with a toothpick to ensure they’re cooked through.

I’ve noticed that the riper the bananas, with prominent brown spots, the darker the banana bread tends to be. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter appearance for your banana bread, opt for ripe bananas without any brown spots

If the top is browning too quickly, cover the bread loosely with foil and continue baking until done. If using a smaller loaf pan, check for doneness earlier as it may bake faster.

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