Description

This moist and delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bread combines ripe bananas with rich semi-sweet chocolate chips for the ultimate comforting treat. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and a hint of vanilla, this classic recipe yields a tender, flavorful loaf ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large)
¼ cup sour cream or plain yogurt

Additional

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for topping (optional)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of rising agents and spices; set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with both the granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender crumb.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
Mash Bananas: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth, providing moisture and natural sweetness to the batter.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the mashed bananas and sour cream (or yogurt), beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the bread tough.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Top with Extra Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top of the batter if desired for an extra chocolatey crust.
Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Cool the Bread: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to keep the bread moist and tender.
Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt for similar moisture and tang.
Chocolate chips can be substituted with walnuts or pecans for a nutty twist.
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: banana bread, chocolate chip banana bread, moist banana bread, easy banana bread recipe, homemade banana bread, chocolate chip dessert