Banana Bread with Mini Chocolate Chips Recipe

Name: Banana Bread with Mini Chocolate Chips Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 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 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Golden Food

I absolutely adore making Banana Bread with Mini Chocolate Chips, especially when I have overripe bananas sitting on my countertop. This recipe has become a family favorite, transforming those neglected bananas into a moist, decadent loaf brimming with tiny chocolate morsels. The combination of sweet bananas and rich chocolate creates a delightful flavor profile that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s an easy recipe that I can whip up quickly, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Created by

Elin Matthews

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:29:34.495Z

When I first tried baking banana bread, I was surprised at how easy it was to create something so delicious. The key for me was ensuring that the bananas were truly ripe; the riper, the better. This step really intensifies the banana flavor and makes the bread incredibly moist.

One twist I've found essential is adding mini chocolate chips. They distribute more evenly throughout the loaf, allowing for little bursts of chocolate flavor with every bite. Plus, it makes the bread even more irresistible!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Deliciously moist texture with sweet, caramelized banana flavors
Mini chocolate chips provide a delightful surprise in every slice
Perfect for using up overripe bananas while satisfying your sweet tooth

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to a moist and flavorful banana bread lies in the use of ripe bananas. These bananas not only add natural sweetness but also enhance the bread’s texture. Overripe bananas are preferred as they have a higher sugar concentration and a softer consistency, making them easier to mash and mix thoroughly into the batter. You'll know they are ripe when their skins are mostly brown, which indicates peak sweetness.

Melted butter is another crucial component of this recipe, contributing to the bread's richness and a desirable crust. If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil. Just ensure that whichever fat you choose is melted before mixing it into the batter to maintain the proper texture.

Mastering the Baking Process

When combining the ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour. This can result in a dense loaf instead of a light and fluffy banana bread. Mix until the flour is just incorporated; a few lumps are perfectly fine. You can even stop mixing once you see streaks of flour to avoid gluten formation, which can lead to a tougher texture.

During baking, keep an eye on your bread as ovens can vary significantly. For best results, check for doneness around the 55-minute mark. Inserting a toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, signaling it’s perfectly baked. If it comes out wet, give it an additional 5-10 minutes, but be cautious of overbaking, which can dry out the loaf.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started on this mouthwatering banana bread:

Ingredients

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 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're just a few steps away from enjoying homemade banana bread!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a perfectly baked loaf:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in melted butter, then add the baking soda and salt.

Mix in Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla

Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture and stir until well combined.

Incorporate Flour and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, followed by the mini chocolate chips until just combined.

Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious banana bread with a cup of tea or coffee!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon into the batter for a warm, spiced twist.

Storing and Freezing

For optimal storage, allow the banana bread to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to extend that freshness, consider freezing your banana bread. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then place it in a resealable freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen banana bread, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or leave it out on the countertop for a couple of hours. For a warm treat, you can reheat slices in the toaster or microwave. Just be mindful to keep the microwave time short, as 10-15 seconds should be sufficient to warm it through without drying it out.

Variations and Customizations

One of the joys of banana bread is its versatility! You can easily swap the mini chocolate chips for other mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of peanut butter for an added layer of flavor. If you’re a spice lover, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for warmth and depth.

For those looking to reduce sugar content, you can decrease the sugar by using less than 3/4 cup, or even experiment with alternatives like honey or agave syrup, keeping in mind this might alter the overall texture slightly. Additionally, make sure to adjust the quantity if you’re using a liquid sweetener to maintain the right batter consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just ensure you thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months.

→ Can I substitute ingredients?

Certainly! You can use brown sugar instead of white sugar or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

→ What if my bananas aren't very ripe?

If your bananas are not ripe, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two.