Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is the perfect blend of sweet, moist, and delicious. A delightful treat for breakfast or dessert!
This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a family favorite, combining the rich flavor of ripe bananas with the sweetness of chocolate chips. It's perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Moist and fluffy texture with the perfect amount of chocolate chips
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have at home
- Great way to use up overripe bananas
A Classic Comfort Food
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. It's not just a treat; it's a nostalgic reminder of home baking, family gatherings, and the sweet aroma that fills the kitchen. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, this banana bread is sure to evoke fond memories.
Moreover, the combination of ripe bananas and chocolate chips creates a harmonious balance of flavors. The natural sweetness of the bananas enhances the rich, creamy chocolate, making each bite a delightful experience. This recipe is a wonderful way to indulge your sweet tooth without feeling guilty.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for various occasions. Serve it as a cozy breakfast option paired with coffee, or slice it up for an afternoon snack with tea. It also makes an excellent dessert that can be dressed up with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a special treat.
Additionally, it’s a fantastic option for gifting. Wrap a loaf in a decorative paper or place it in a beautiful tin, and you have a thoughtful homemade gift for friends, family, or neighbors. It's a delicious way to share joy and kindness.
Storing and Freezing Tips
To keep your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last for up to three months frozen.
When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the bread at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. This way, you can always have a slice of home-baked goodness ready to satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Mix all the ingredients well for a delicious banana bread!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.
Mix Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.
Add Remaining Ingredients
Mix in the baking soda and salt. Then add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Finally, stir in the flour and chocolate chips until just combined.
Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Chip Banana Bread!
Tips for the Best Banana Bread
For the best results, use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. If you don’t have ripe bananas on hand, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two.
Mix the ingredients until just combined to maintain a light and fluffy texture. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, so be careful not to stir too vigorously once you add the flour.
Variations to Try
Feel free to customize your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread by adding nuts or spices. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch, while a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile. You might even experiment with different types of chocolate chips, like dark chocolate or butterscotch, to give it a unique twist.
You can also make it healthier by substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or adding a scoop of oats for added texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your banana bread plain, or elevate it with toppings. A smear of peanut butter or almond butter pairs excellently with the flavors of the bread, adding protein and healthy fats. For a sweeter touch, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can transform it into a delightful dessert.
If you want to add a touch of elegance, consider drizzling some melted chocolate or a simple glaze over the top for an appealing finish. Serve it warm for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, just thaw the bananas and mash them before using.
→ How do I store leftover banana bread?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
→ Can I freeze banana bread?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing for up to 3 months.
→ What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture as an egg substitute.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is the perfect blend of sweet, moist, and delicious. A delightful treat for breakfast or dessert!
Created by: Riley Dawson
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
For the Banana Bread
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chocolate chips
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.
Mix in the baking soda and salt. Then add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Finally, stir in the flour and chocolate chips until just combined.
Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g