Name: Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick); 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup light brown sugar; 2 eggs; 1/3 cup sour cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1-1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (3 medium-sized bananas); 1 cup chocolate chips

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked Chocolate Chip Banana Bread wafting through your kitchen—it’s pure comfort in loaf form! This recipe delivers a supremely moist crumb, melty pockets of chocolate, and that deep, dreamy banana flavor you crave. Whether you’re whipping up a loaf for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or a late-night sweet craving, this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread always rises to the occasion. It’s simple enough for any day of the week but special enough to share with friends and family. Ready to make your new go-to banana bread?

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of staple pantry ingredients to create this decadent loaf, and each one plays its part beautifully. From overripe bananas lending natural sweetness and moisture, to melty chocolate chips that make every bite a little celebration, every addition brings something wonderful to your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread.

Salted butter: Brings rich flavor and moisture to the loaf; using salted butter balances the sweetness perfectly.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps create a tender texture while letting the banana flavor shine.
Light brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and a subtle caramel note that complements both banana and chocolate.
Eggs: Bind everything together and give the bread its structure and marvelous rise.
Sour cream: Don’t skip this—it keeps the loaf ultra moist and adds a slight tang that brightens each bite.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and rounds out the sweetness—pure vanilla magic.
Mashed bananas: Use overripe, spotty bananas for maximum flavor and luscious texture—about 3 medium bananas.
All-purpose flour: Provides the base structure and holds all the goodness together.
Baking powder: Works with the baking soda to give your loaf a nice rise.
Salt: Balances the flavors so the bread isn’t too sweet or flat-tasting.
Baking soda: Another essential leavener that helps the bread stay fluffy and light.
Chocolate chips: The star mix-in! Use your favorite—semisweet, milk, dark, or even chocolate chunks for extra-loaded Chocolate Chip Banana Bread.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. While the oven warms up, line a loaf pan with parchment paper or give it a generous spray with non-stick cooking spray. This extra step guarantees your finished loaf will pop out easily and keeps those delicious edges perfectly intact.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the salted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar for about two minutes until the mixture is light and creamy. This foundation creates an irresistible, tender texture and makes your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread delightfully fluffy!

Step 3: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. Next, fold in the sour cream and vanilla extract; these boost the bread’s moisture content and give it an amazing aroma that’ll have everyone peeking in the kitchen.

Step 4: Incorporate the Bananas

Now add your mashed bananas directly into the wet mixture. This step is what transforms ordinary banana bread into the rich, banana-loaded treat everyone loves. Make sure your bananas are well mashed for an even crumb throughout.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Adding the dry ingredients separately ensures everything is evenly distributed—so you don’t end up with pockets of baking powder or salt.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three separate additions, thoroughly mixing after each one. This slow and steady process keeps your batter tender and prevents over-mixing, setting you up for a perfectly soft Chocolate Chip Banana Bread.

Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Scatter the chocolate chips over your prepared batter and use a spatula to gently fold them in. This way, every slice is loaded with chocolatey goodness—the crowning glory of this bread!

Step 8: Bake

Transfer your batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth it out so it’s even. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, checking with a toothpick at the 45-minute mark. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking and check every five minutes. You can tent the loaf with foil if you prefer a lighter crust. Once finished, the toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the loaf firm up and makes it easier to slice. Now all that’s left is to cut a thick slice and savor every bite of your homemade Chocolate Chip Banana Bread!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Garnishes

Give your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread an extra touch of flair with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream. For a fresh pop, scatter a few banana slices or chocolate shavings on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

While this bread is a champion all on its own, it’s absolutely dreamy alongside a mug of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or an energizing fruit smoothie. If you’re serving brunch, pair it with a bowl of Greek yogurt and mixed berries, or crispy bacon for a sweet-and-savory treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Switch things up by cutting the loaf into thick slabs and toasting slices until golden for a warm, slightly crispy experience. Try serving mini loaves or muffins at parties, or layer cubes of Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with whipped cream and fruit for a fun trifle-style dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread fresh by storing cooled slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is especially warm, pop the container in the fridge to preserve both flavor and moisture.

Freezing

Want to enjoy this treat for weeks to come? Chocolate Chip Banana Bread freezes like a dream! Once the loaf cools completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or tuck individual slices into freezer-safe bags. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months.

Reheating

To enjoy a warm, bakery-fresh slice, reheat your banana bread in a toaster oven or microwave. Microwave slices for about 15–20 seconds or pop them in the oven at 300 degrees F for a few minutes. This brings out the melty chocolate chips and revives that just-baked aroma!

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas actually mash even more smoothly. Just thaw and drain the excess liquid before measuring and mixing—your loaf will still be super moist and flavorful.

What kind of chocolate chips work best?

This bread is endlessly customizable—use semisweet, milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips! Chocolate chunks are a fantastic choice, too, and give you bigger bursts of chocolate in every bite.

Can I make this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Check that your baking powder and chocolate chips are gluten-free as well, and you’re all set for an equally delicious loaf.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Plain Greek yogurt is a wonderful substitute and will keep your bread just as moist and tender. Avoid low-fat or fat-free versions for best flavor and texture in your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread.

How do I prevent the bread from being dry?

Don’t overbake—always check a little before the recommended bake time. Also, measuring your flour accurately (scoop, then level!), using overripe bananas, and including the sour cream will guarantee a perfectly moist result every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a surefire crowd-pleaser or simply want to treat yourself, I can’t recommend this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread enough. Give it a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, and you might just find yourself baking an extra loaf to share!