Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease or line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mash Bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth with a few small lumps.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Whisk in the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Mix & Fold
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips gently using a spatula.
Step 6: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Top with a few extra chocolate chips for presentation.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (some melted chocolate is okay!).
Step 7: Cool & Slice
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Let cool completely before slicing (if you can wait!).
🍞 Serving Suggestion: Warm up slices and serve with a pat of butter or a drizzle of peanut butter for next-level indulgence.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature
Wrap in foil or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Refrigerator
Store up to 6 days for extended freshness. Let it come to room temp before serving or reheat slightly. Freezer
Freeze whole or in slices for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use freezer-safe bags. To Reheat
Microwave slices for 15–20 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven softness. 🍌 Pro Tip: Freeze extra ripe bananas ahead so you can bake anytime you want. 🥄 Variations Try these fun twists to make this banana bread your own: 🍫 Double Chocolate Banana Bread – Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder for a richer loaf. 🌰 Banana Nut Bread – Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans. 🥥 Coconut Chocolate Banana Bread – Stir in 1/4 cup shredded coconut. 🍓 Berry Banana Bread – Swap out half the chocolate chips for fresh or frozen raspberries. 🧁 Mini Loaves or Muffins – Divide into muffin tins or mini loaf pans. Reduce bake time to 20–25 minutes. 🍯 Refined Sugar-Free – Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar. ❓ 10 FAQs 1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Thaw and drain any excess liquid before using. 2. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes — 1/2 cup of brown sugar will still yield a sweet, flavorful loaf. 3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap the butter for vegetable oil or a plant-based butter alternative. 4. What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are ideal, but milk or mini chips also work. 5. Do I need to sift the flour?
No, but whisking helps remove clumps and aerate the batter. 6. Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
It may have been underbaked or overmixed. Be sure to check with a toothpick! 7. Can I use baking powder instead of baking soda?
No — baking soda reacts with the acidity of bananas for a better rise. 8. Can I add cinnamon or nutmeg?
Absolutely! 1/2 tsp cinnamon adds warmth and complements the banana flavor. 9. Can I make this into muffins?
Yes — bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes in muffin tins. 10. How do I know it’s done baking?
Insert a toothpick — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs and melted chocolate. 🏁 Conclusion This Easy Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips is the perfect blend of nostalgic banana flavor and chocolate indulgence. Whether you're a seasoned baker or brand new to the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof, forgiving, and fantastically delicious. It’s soft, sweet, and studded with gooey chocolate, making it a go-to recipe for breakfast, snacks, or whenever your bananas are getting too ripe on the counter. Try it once, and it’s sure to become your banana bread go-to!
Wrap in foil or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Refrigerator
Store up to 6 days for extended freshness. Let it come to room temp before serving or reheat slightly. Freezer
Freeze whole or in slices for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use freezer-safe bags. To Reheat
Microwave slices for 15–20 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven softness. 🍌 Pro Tip: Freeze extra ripe bananas ahead so you can bake anytime you want. 🥄 Variations Try these fun twists to make this banana bread your own: 🍫 Double Chocolate Banana Bread – Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder for a richer loaf. 🌰 Banana Nut Bread – Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans. 🥥 Coconut Chocolate Banana Bread – Stir in 1/4 cup shredded coconut. 🍓 Berry Banana Bread – Swap out half the chocolate chips for fresh or frozen raspberries. 🧁 Mini Loaves or Muffins – Divide into muffin tins or mini loaf pans. Reduce bake time to 20–25 minutes. 🍯 Refined Sugar-Free – Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar. ❓ 10 FAQs 1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Thaw and drain any excess liquid before using. 2. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes — 1/2 cup of brown sugar will still yield a sweet, flavorful loaf. 3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap the butter for vegetable oil or a plant-based butter alternative. 4. What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are ideal, but milk or mini chips also work. 5. Do I need to sift the flour?
No, but whisking helps remove clumps and aerate the batter. 6. Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
It may have been underbaked or overmixed. Be sure to check with a toothpick! 7. Can I use baking powder instead of baking soda?
No — baking soda reacts with the acidity of bananas for a better rise. 8. Can I add cinnamon or nutmeg?
Absolutely! 1/2 tsp cinnamon adds warmth and complements the banana flavor. 9. Can I make this into muffins?
Yes — bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes in muffin tins. 10. How do I know it’s done baking?
Insert a toothpick — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs and melted chocolate. 🏁 Conclusion This Easy Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips is the perfect blend of nostalgic banana flavor and chocolate indulgence. Whether you're a seasoned baker or brand new to the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof, forgiving, and fantastically delicious. It’s soft, sweet, and studded with gooey chocolate, making it a go-to recipe for breakfast, snacks, or whenever your bananas are getting too ripe on the counter. Try it once, and it’s sure to become your banana bread go-to!