Chocolate chip banana bread recipe lovers, this guide is for you. Do not throw away those ripe bananas sitting on your counter. I have been baking this chocolate chip banana bread recipe for years, and every time, friends and family ask, “How do you get it so moist?”
This recipe is the BEST kind: super moist, incredibly easy, and made in just one bowl. I first made it as a quick breakfast treat but now it is the most requested thing in my kitchen.
✔ Guaranteed Supreme Moisture: We reveal the secrets to a perfect, tender crumb every time
✔ Easy One Bowl Prep: A simple recipe that requires minimal cleanup
✔ Rich, Balanced Flavor: A perfect blend of sweet banana, rich brown sugar, and deep chocolate
✔ Foolproof Professional Results: We explain the “why” behind each step so you can bake with confidence
Get ready for a loaf so good it rarely lasts more than a day on the counter.
Discover more timeless treats in our full collection of [Classic Dessert Recipes] — from warm crumbles to chocolatey favorites.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chocolate chip banana bread recipe is more than just a sweet treat. It is the go-to comfort bake that checks every box for ease, flavor, and satisfaction.
• Quick and Easy: No mixer needed and ready to bake in minutes
• Uses Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Breakfast, snack, dessert, or even a thoughtful gift
• Always a Crowd-Pleaser: It disappears fast at potlucks, parties, and family get-togethers
• Unbelievably Delicious: A soft, tender crumb with rich banana flavor and just the right amount of chocolate in every bite
What makes this one stand out? The balance. Not too sweet. Not too dense. The flavor is deep but smooth, with moisture that holds for days. Whether you are baking for yourself or sharing with others, this is the loaf everyone remembers.
The Core Ingredients Explained
Understanding the role of each ingredient helps you bake with confidence. Each component plays a part in making the perfect chocolate chip banana bread recipe with moisture and flavor in every bite.
Very Ripe Bananas
When bananas are covered in black spots, it means their starches have broken down into natural sugars. This makes them sweeter and adds moisture to the bread. The riper the banana, the better the flavor and texture.
Very ripe bananas are best because their starch turns into natural sugar, making the bread sweeter and softer. Learn more about banana nutrition here
Butter vs Oil
This recipe uses melted butter for one reason: flavor. Butter gives the bread a rich, homemade taste that oil just cannot match. However, if you want an even softer texture, you can swap it with a neutral oil. Just know you will trade a bit of flavor for added moisture.
Brown Sugar vs White Sugar
Brown sugar contains molasses. That gives the bread a deeper, slightly caramel-like flavor and extra softness. White sugar will still sweeten, but it won’t add the same richness. That is why brown sugar is the better choice here.
Chocolate Chips
Use a mix of mini and regular chocolate chips. The mini chips melt into the batter, creating tiny pockets of chocolate throughout. The regular ones give you bigger bursts of flavor. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best to balance the sweetness of the bananas.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
For the banana bread base
- 3 very ripe bananas mashed until smooth
- 75 grams of unsalted butter melted
- 100 grams of brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- A small pinch of salt to balance sweetness
- 185 grams of all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
For the mix-ins
- 85 grams of mini chocolate chips plus a few extra for topping if desired
- Optional but helpful: lightly grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Instructions
Preheat your oven
- Set your oven to 350°F or 180°C. Lightly grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mash the bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. Lumps are fine, but the more mashed they are, the more moisture they’ll bring.
Add melted butter
- Pour the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Stir until fully combined and glossy.
Mix in wet ingredients
- Add the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything looks blended and smooth.
Add dry ingredients
- Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt first, then add the flour. Gently stir everything together just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Do not overmix or the bread may turn out dense.
Fold in chocolate chips
- Add most of the chocolate chips and gently fold them into the batter. Leave a few chips aside for sprinkling on top.
Transfer to loaf pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to even out the top. Add the remaining chocolate chips on top.
Bake
- Place in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool completely
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack and cool fully before slicing. This helps lock in the moisture and makes cutting easier.
Notes
Calories: 379
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 5g
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you need to make this moist and flavorful chocolate chip banana bread recipe at home.
For the banana bread base
• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed until smooth
• 75 grams of unsalted butter, melted
• 100 grams of brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• A small pinch of salt to balance sweetness
• 185 grams of all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
For the mix-ins
• 85 grams of mini chocolate chips, plus a few extra for topping if desired
Optional but helpful: lightly grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Follow these clear steps to make the best chocolate chip banana bread recipe. This version is simple, made in one bowl, and requires no mixer.
1. Preheat your oven
Set your oven to 350°F or 180°C. Lightly grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mash the bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. Lumps are fine, but the more mashed they are, the more moisture they’ll bring.
3. Add melted butter
Pour the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Stir until fully combined and glossy.
4. Mix in wet ingredients
Add the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything looks blended and smooth.
5. Add dry ingredients
Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt first, then add the flour. Gently stir everything together just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Do not overmix or the bread may turn out dense.
6. Fold in chocolate chips
Add most of the chocolate chips and gently fold them into the batter. Leave a few chips aside for sprinkling on top.
7. Transfer to loaf pan
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to even out the top. Add the remaining chocolate chips on top.
8. Bake
Place in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool completely
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack and cool fully before slicing. This helps lock in the moisture and makes cutting easier.
Troubleshooting Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Even with a solid chocolate chip banana bread recipe, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them.
| Problem | Solution |
| My bread is dry and dense | This usually happens from overmixing or using too much flour. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and level it off. Mix just until combined to avoid a tough texture. |
| My bread sank in the middle | It was likely underbaked. Always test with a toothpick. It should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil and keep baking. |
| My chocolate chips sank to the bottom | Toss the chocolate chips in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay evenly distributed throughout the loaf. |
Variations and Substitutions Guide
Want to make this chocolate chip banana bread recipe your own? These variations give you flexibility for taste, diet, and creativity.
Gourmet Twists
For a rich, nutty flavor, try browning the butter before adding it. This adds a deep caramel note that pairs beautifully with banana. You can also mix in a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to bring out the depth of the chocolate without making the bread taste like coffee.
Gluten-Free Option
Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1 to 1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or a binding agent to keep the loaf structure intact.
Dairy-Free Option
Use a neutral vegetable oil or melted coconut oil in place of butter. For added moisture, use a plant-based yogurt or milk with a little acidity such as almond milk with a splash of lemon juice.
Creative Mix-Ins
Go beyond the usual walnuts. Add toffee bits for crunch, swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter for richness, or top the batter with cinnamon sugar before baking for a sweet crust.
Serving and Storage Tips
To keep your chocolate chip banana bread recipe fresh, moist, and delicious, follow these easy storage and reheating methods.
Storing at Room Temperature
After the bread has fully cooled, seal it tightly using plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay moist for up to three days at room temperature. In fact, many say it tastes even better the next day as the flavors settle.
Freezing for Later
To freeze the whole loaf, wrap it in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. For individual slices, wrap each one separately and store in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to three months. To thaw, leave the slices at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave.
Reheating Tips
Microwave a slice for ten to fifteen seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth. You can also toast a slice lightly for a crisp edge and melty chocolate bits.
Helpful Notes
• If your bananas are not ripe enough, place them in a paper bag with an apple for a day or two before using them in this chocolate chip banana bread recipe.
• Do not skip the cooling time. Slicing warm banana bread may cause it to crumble and release steam, making it feel gummy.
• Always measure flour properly. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level off with a knife. Scooping directly can pack in too much and make the bread dry.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to the batter.
• If using frozen bananas, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before mashing. This helps avoid soggy spots in the bread.
Conclusion
This chocolate chip banana bread recipe brings everything you want in a homemade treat and guarantees soft texture with rich chocolate in every slice. It is moist, flavorful, and so easy to make with just one bowl. Whether you are baking it for breakfast, dessert, or to share with friends, this loaf always hits the mark.
It is the kind of recipe you will come back to again and again. The soft crumb, the rich banana flavor, and those melty pockets of chocolate make it unforgettable.
If you tried this recipe, leave a comment and a star rating below. Did you add your own twist? Share what you changed or how it turned out. Your feedback helps others and turns baking into a shared experience.
Tag your photos on social media and let us know how yours turned out. We would love to see your version. What mix-ins did you try? Let us know below.
Try this chocolate chip banana bread recipe today and let us know in the comments how yours turned out.
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FAQs
1. What is the most common mistake people make when baking chocolate chip banana bread recipe?
The biggest mistake is overmixing the batter. Too much mixing makes the chocolate chip banana bread recipe dense instead of moist and soft.
2. What is the secret to moist chocolate chip banana bread recipe?
The secret to a moist chocolate chip banana bread recipe is using very ripe bananas, choosing brown sugar for extra softness, and baking just until a toothpick comes out clean.
3. Can I put chocolate chips in my banana bread?
Yes, you can enjoy chocolate chip banana bread recipe while trying to lose weight if eaten in moderation. For a lighter version, reduce the sugar or use whole wheat flour.
4. Can I eat banana bread while trying to lose weight?
Yes, but in moderation. You can also reduce the sugar slightly or use whole wheat flour to make a lighter version. Watch your portion size and pair it with a protein-rich snack.
5. What are the downsides to eating banana bread?
It can be high in sugar and carbs, especially with chocolate chips. Eating too much too often may not fit well into some health goals. Make adjustments if needed, such as cutting back on sweeteners or fat.
6. What is the famous banana trick to lose weight?
This refers to eating a banana first thing in the morning with water to help reduce appetite and support digestion. It is part of certain diet routines, though not a proven solution on its own.
7. What ingredients to add to bananas to lose weight?
Some people blend bananas with chia seeds, oats, or unsweetened yogurt. These add fiber and protein, which may help you feel full longer and reduce snacking.
8. What is the 30 second morning banana ritual?
It is a popular term in online diet trends where people eat a banana within thirty seconds of waking up to kickstart metabolism. While catchy, it is not backed by strong science and results vary by person.
