Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

Q: What is the number one mistake when making banana bread?

The most common mistake is overmixing the batter . When you stir too much, the gluten in the flour develops, and your banana bread can turn out dense or rubbery instead of soft and tender.

Q: What’s the secret to a moist banana bread?

The secret lies in using very ripe bananas (the spottier, the better!) and not skimping on fat. Butter or oil adds richness, while ripe bananas keep the loaf naturally moist and flavorful.

Q: Is banana bread actually healthy?

Banana bread is more of a treat than a health food , especially when loaded with sugar and chocolate chips. But you can make it lighter by reducing the sugar, swapping some flour for whole wheat, or adding nuts for protein and healthy fats.

Q: Why do my chocolate chips go to the bottom of my banana bread?

This happens if the batter is too thin. To prevent it, toss your chocolate chips in a spoonful of flour before folding them into the batter. It helps keep them evenly distributed throughout the loaf.

Jump to recipe

Got a bunch of overripe bananas sitting on your counter? Don’t toss them — they’re the secret to baking the most irresistible chocolate chip banana bread recipe you’ll ever try. This loaf is everything you want in a homemade treat: soft, moist, perfectly sweet, and loaded with melty chocolate chips in every bite.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. You don’t need fancy equipment or hours in the kitchen — just a mixing bowl, a few pantry staples, and about an hour of baking time. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weekend bake, a sweet snack for the kids, or a delicious way to use up bananas before they go bad, this recipe has you covered.

By the time it’s done, your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you’ll have a golden loaf that’s just begging to be sliced. Let’s get baking!

slice of chocolate chip banana bread recipe on marble surface showing moist crumb and chocolate swirls

If you love quick breads like this banana loaf, you’ll also enjoy my Zucchini Bread recipe — it’s moist, lightly spiced, and a delicious way to sneak in veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

There are countless banana bread recipes out there, but this one is truly special. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your kitchen:

Super easy to make – no mixer required, just a bowl and spoon.
Moist and tender – thanks to ripe bananas and just the right balance of ingredients.
Chocolate lover’s dream – melty chocolate chips in every bite.
Perfect for any time of day – enjoy it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert.
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly – the whole family will love it, and you can freeze slices for later.

Quick recipe snapshot:

Prep Time	Bake Time	Total Time	Servings	Difficulty
10 mins	50–60 mins	1 hr 10 mins	10 slices	Easy

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this chocolate chip banana bread recipe couldn’t be easier — you only need simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll want to grab:

Pantry Staples

All-purpose flour – gives structure to your loaf.
Granulated sugar – adds sweetness (you can mix white and brown sugar for extra depth).
Baking soda – helps the bread rise.
Salt – balances the sweetness.
Butter or oil – keeps the bread moist and rich.

Fresh Ingredients

Ripe bananas – the star of the show! The more spots, the sweeter and softer your bread will be.
Eggs – bind the ingredients together.
Vanilla extract – for a warm, cozy flavor.

Chocolate Chips

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips – add them to the batter and sprinkle a few on top for that gooey finish.

👉 Optional add-ins: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a little spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a golden, chocolate-studded loaf ready in no time:

Step 1 — Prep the Bananas

Peel and mash your ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until mostly smooth (a few small lumps are fine).

peeled ripe bananas in a blue bowl with a fork, ready to mash for banana bread

mashed ripe bananas in a blue bowl with spoon, ready for chocolate chip banana bread batter

Step 2 — Mix Wet Ingredients

Whisk in the melted butter (or oil), sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and the mashed bananas until everything is smooth and well combined.

wet ingredients for chocolate chip banana bread whisked together in a mixing bowl

Step 3 — Add Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold them into the wet mixture — don’t overmix or your bread may turn out dense.

Step 4 — Stir in Chocolate Chips

Fold in most of the chocolate chips, saving a handful to sprinkle on top before baking.

banana bread batter mixed with chocolate chips in a glass bowl with whisk

Step 5 — Bake the Loaf

Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Scatter the reserved chocolate chips over the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a little melted chocolate is okay!).

banana bread batter topped with chocolate chips in a loaf pan before baking

golden brown chocolate chip banana bread loaf in a pan fresh out of the oven on a red checkered towel

Step 6 — Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Slice, serve warm, and enjoy that gooey chocolate goodness.

slices of chocolate chip banana bread stacked showing golden crust and melty chips

close-up of sliced chocolate chip banana bread showing moist texture and melted chocolate

Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

Want your banana bread to come out bakery-style every time? Here are a few tried-and-true tips:

Use extra ripe bananas – the darker and spottier, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
Don’t overmix the batter – gently fold the dry ingredients in until just combined. Overmixing can make your bread tough instead of tender.
Check for doneness the right way – insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean (except for a little melted chocolate), your loaf is ready.
Line your pan with parchment paper – this makes removing the loaf so much easier and helps prevent sticking.
Customize with mix-ins – walnuts, pecans, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add extra texture and flavor.
Save some chocolate chips for the top – it gives the loaf that bakery-style look with gooey chocolate puddles.

slices of chocolate chip banana bread recipe on marble with moist texture and melted chocolate chunks

Love baking with simple pantry ingredients? My ANZAC Biscuits recipe is another classic that uses staples you probably already have.

Variations You Can Try

This classic chocolate chip banana bread recipe is delicious as-is, but you can easily make it your own. Here are some tasty twists to try:

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Add ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the batter for a rich, fudgy loaf. Use chocolate chunks instead of chips for extra gooey bites.

Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Swirl ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter into the batter before baking. It pairs perfectly with bananas and chocolate.

Vegan Banana Bread

Swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use coconut oil or vegan butter. Make sure to choose dairy-free chocolate chips.

Gluten-Free Banana Bread

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. The bread stays moist and flavorful.

Nutty Banana Bread

Fold in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and nutty flavor.

If you’re in the mood for another easy bake, try my Honey Joys recipe — a classic crunchy-sweet treat that’s just as nostalgic and fun.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

One of the best things about this chocolate chip banana bread recipe is that it stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

At room temperature: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay moist for up to 2–3 days.
In the fridge: Keep it in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Just warm up a slice in the microwave before enjoying.
In the freezer: Slice the banana bread, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will last up to 3 months.

👉 Pro tip: Freeze slices separately so you can grab just what you need for breakfast, lunch boxes, or a quick snack.

stack of sliced chocolate chip banana bread recipe with gooey melted chocolate, hand lifting a slice

If you enjoy cozy breakfast recipes like this banana bread, don’t miss my Pikelets recipe — fluffy mini pancakes that are perfect with jam or honey.

Nutrition Information

Here’s the approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (1 slice, based on 10 slices per loaf):

Calories: ~250
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 210 mg

Nutrition Disclaimer:
These values are estimates based on standard ingredients and portion sizes. Actual nutrition may vary depending on the specific brands and measurements you use. For medical or dietary advice, always consult a qualified professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the number one mistake when making banana bread?

The most common mistake is overmixing the batter. When you stir too much, the gluten in the flour develops, and your banana bread can turn out dense or rubbery instead of soft and tender.

What’s the secret to a moist banana bread?

The secret lies in using very ripe bananas (the spottier, the better!) and not skimping on fat. Butter or oil adds richness, while ripe bananas keep the loaf naturally moist and flavorful.

Is banana bread actually healthy?

Banana bread is more of a treat than a health food, especially when loaded with sugar and chocolate chips. But you can make it lighter by reducing the sugar, swapping some flour for whole wheat, or adding nuts for protein and healthy fats.

Why do my chocolate chips go to the bottom of my banana bread?

This happens if the batter is too thin. To prevent it, toss your chocolate chips in a spoonful of flour before folding them into the batter. It helps keep them evenly distributed throughout the loaf.

Recipe

Yield: 1 loaf

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

This easy chocolate chip banana bread recipe is moist, sweet, and loaded with melty chocolate chips. A one-bowl recipe that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil)
¾ cup granulated sugar (or a mix of white & brown sugar)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus a few extra for topping)
Optional add-ins: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, ½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth.
Whisk in the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold until just combined — don’t overmix.
Stir in most of the chocolate chips, saving some to sprinkle on top.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Top with the reserved chocolate chips.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (except for a little melted chocolate).
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use extra ripe bananas (lots of brown spots) for the best flavor and sweetness.

For even chocolate distribution, toss the chips in a spoonful of flour before folding them in.

Banana bread can be stored at room temperature for 2–3 days, refrigerated for 1 week, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1 slice
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 250Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 21mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 2gSugar: 18gProtein: 4g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an estimate. Actual values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use.

And there you have it — the ultimate chocolate chip banana bread recipe that’s moist, chocolatey, and oh-so-easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and some ripe bananas, you can bake a loaf that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven, packed in a lunchbox, or frozen for later, this recipe is a keeper. I hope it becomes a family favorite in your home, just like it is in mine.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see your creations! Share a photo and tag me on Instagram or save it to your boards on Pinterest. Let’s inspire more home bakers together!