There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the house, isn’t there? I can almost hear the delightful chorus of my family asking, “Is it ready yet?” This Banana Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips is not just any banana bread; it’s a sweet, moist treat that combines the rich flavor of ripe bananas with the indulgence of chocolate chips. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a delightful breakfast, this recipe is a must-try! And if you’re looking for easy pasta recipes to pair with it for a quick family dinner, I’ve got you covered too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners!
- Perfectly moist and flavorful, thanks to ripe bananas.
- Chocolate chips add a delightful sweetness that everyone loves.
- Great for using up overripe bananas—no waste here!
- Can be customized with nuts or spices for extra flavor.
Ingredients
To whip up this delicious banana bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ cup chopped walnuts
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making this scrumptious banana bread!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if you’re using it).
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using) gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips over it for that extra touch.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
- Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your banana bread turns out perfectly every time:
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The browner, the better!
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking; it helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- If you want to make a Banana Bread Recipe with 3 Bananas, simply adjust the other ingredients proportionally.
- For a fun twist, try adding a handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added warmth.
- Make sure to check your bread a few minutes before the timer goes off to avoid overbaking.
How to Serve
This banana bread is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
- Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
- Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Slice it up and serve it at brunch alongside some 30-minute meals or weeknight dinner ideas.
Make Ahead and Storage
This banana bread is perfect for making ahead of time! Here’s how to store it:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours or microwave a slice for a quick treat.
Now that you have this easy best banana bread recipe in your arsenal, I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this banana bread is sure to bring smiles all around. And if you’re in the mood for something savory, don’t forget to check out my Best Ever Beef Chili or Classic Slow Cooker Chili for a hearty meal that pairs perfectly with your sweet treat!
Banana Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- Mix mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine dry ingredients with wet mixture; fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.
- Pour batter into pan, top with chocolate chips, and bake 50–60 minutes.
- Cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.