Few baked goods are as universally loved as a warm, freshly baked loaf of chocolate chip banana bread. Moist, tender, rich with banana flavor, and studded generously with melty chocolate chips — it’s the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re using up extra bananas, prepping breakfast for the week, or baking a cozy weekend treat, this recipe delivers flawless results every time.

This banana bread is soft, comforting, nostalgic, and incredibly easy to make. You only need one bowl, no mixer, and simple pantry ingredients. The banana flavor shines beautifully, enhanced by the sweetness of chocolate chips and the richness of butter. It’s the kind of recipe that feels homey yet bakery-quality — ideal for gifting, sharing, or devouring warm from the oven.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn everything needed to make the perfect chocolate chip banana bread, including expert tips, ingredient breakdowns, useful variations, troubleshooting advice, and storage methods.

Why This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is So Good

1. It’s incredibly moist

Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while butter gives richness and tenderness.

2. One-bowl recipe

No complicated steps. No mess. No special equipment.

3. Perfect banana-to-chocolate balance

Not too sweet, not too heavy — just right.

4. Beginner-friendly and foolproof

Even novice bakers get perfect results with this recipe.

5. Customizable

Make it nutty, healthier, or more chocolatey — it’s endlessly adaptable.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

This recipe uses simple, common ingredients — the magic comes from the bananas and the perfect balance of ratios.

Key Ingredients

• Ripe bananas: The more brown spots, the sweeter and moister the bread.
• Butter: Adds flavor and tenderness.
• Sugar: Balances the bananas and enhances browning.
• Egg: Gives structure and richness.
• Flour: The foundation of the loaf.
• Baking soda: Essential for lift.
• Chocolate chips: Add sweetness and texture.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Prepare oven and pan.
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment.
2. Mix wet ingredients.
   In a bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add dry ingredients.
   Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined — do not overmix.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
   Mix gently to evenly distribute.
5. Bake.
   Pour batter into loaf pan and bake 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
6. Cool.
   Let cool in the pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack before slicing.

chocolate chip banana bread

A moist, tender banana bread loaded with chocolate chips, made with simple ingredients and perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 10 slices

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 260

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Banana Bread

• 3 ripe bananas mashed
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
• 0.75 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan.
2. Mix mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Pour batter into loaf pan and bake 55–65 minutes.
6. Cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top before baking for a bakery-style finish.

Expert Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

Use VERY ripe bananas

Dark brown bananas produce the sweetest, most flavorful bread.

Don’t overmix the batter

Overmixing leads to dense texture.

Add extra chocolate on top

Sprinkling chocolate chips on top before baking gives a bakery-style look.

Check early

All ovens differ — begin checking at 50 minutes.

Variations

Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread

Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder + extra chocolate chips.

Banana Bread Muffins

Bake 18–20 minutes in a muffin pan.

Healthy Banana Bread

Swap half the flour for oat flour.

Serving Suggestions

• Warm with butter
• Toasted with peanut butter
• With coffee or tea
• As a dessert with vanilla ice cream
• Packed into lunchboxes

Storage & Freezing

Room Temperature

Keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container.

Refrigerator

Stays fresh up to 1 week.

Freezer

Freeze slices or whole loaf for up to 3 months.

Why You’ll Make This Recipe Again

• Perfectly moist
• Easy to customize
• Uses pantry staples
• Freezes well
• Loved by all ages

This chocolate chip banana bread is a go-to recipe you’ll make over and over.