Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

Chocolate chip banana bread takes a classic banana bread recipe and adds a delicious twist with gooey, melty chocolate chips. It’s an ideal way to use up overripe bananas and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The result is a loaf with a tender crumb and bursts of chocolate in every bite, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack with coffee.

Equipment:

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Toothpick for testing

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• ⅓ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
   In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined.
4. Add Chocolate Chips
   Gently fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a small handful for sprinkling on top if desired.
5. Bake the Banana Bread
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for a bakery-style look. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
6. Cool and Serve
   Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Presentation Ideas:

• Serve slices with a pat of butter or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a little extra sweetness.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a dessert-style treat.
• Wrap individual slices in parchment and tie with a string for a thoughtful, homemade gift.

Tips:

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as it can make the bread dense. Stir just until ingredients are combined.
• Store leftover bread wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
• Freeze extra slices for a quick grab-and-go treat by wrapping each slice in plastic wrap and storing in a freezer bag.

Chocolate chip banana bread is a comforting, easy-to-make treat that combines the sweetness of bananas with the indulgence of chocolate chips. Perfect for using up ripe bananas and versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of day, this recipe is a must-try for banana bread lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike.