If there’s one recipe that never goes out of style, it’s Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. Warm, comforting, and filled with rich banana flavor, this version truly lives up to its reputation as the best. It’s incredibly moist, packed with ripe bananas, and generously loaded with melty chocolate chips in every bite. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas on a quiet weekend, baking for family, or just craving something cozy and homemade, this banana bread is a guaranteed win that fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-moist texture: Thanks to bananas, butter, and Greek yogurt
- Rich banana flavor: Uses a full 1½ cups of mashed banana
- Perfectly sweet: Balanced with brown sugar, white sugar, and chocolate chips
- Beginner-friendly: Simple steps with bakery-style results
- Crowd favorite: Over 600 five-star reviews can’t be wrong
Ingredients
- Ripe bananas (mashed): The star of the recipe, providing natural sweetness and moisture
- Light brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and structure
- Unsalted butter (melted): Creates richness and a tender crumb
- Eggs: Bind the batter and add structure
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors
- Greek yogurt (or sour cream): Keeps the bread soft, moist, and slightly tangy
- All-purpose flour (or 1-to-1 gluten-free flour): Forms the base of the loaf
- Baking soda: Helps the bread rise properly
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor
- Mini chocolate chips: Evenly distributed chocolate in every slice
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until thick and paste-like. This step helps create a tender, moist crumb.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the mashed bananas, followed by the eggs, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Bring the Batter Together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Fold in the chocolate chips last.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the banana bread to cool completely in the pan before removing. This helps it set and slice cleanly.
Tips for Success
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor
- Measure mashed bananas for accuracy—this recipe relies on moisture balance
- Do not overmix once flour is added
- Tent loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly
Equipment Needed
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Use 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour
- Nutty Version: Add chopped walnuts or pecans
- Extra Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chunks instead of mini chips
- Healthier Twist: Swap half the butter for applesauce
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm with butter or nut butter
- Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy snack
- Serve as a breakfast treat or afternoon dessert
- Toast slices lightly for crispy edges and melty chocolate
FAQs
How ripe should bananas be?
Very ripe—yellow with lots of brown spots or almost fully brown.
Can I freeze banana bread?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
How should I store it?
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt?
Absolutely, it works perfectly as a substitute.
Why bake at 325°F instead of 350°F?
The lower temperature ensures even baking and extra moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is everything a classic recipe should be—moist, rich, comforting, and loaded with chocolate in every bite. Whether you’re baking it for the first time or the hundredth, it’s the kind of homemade treat that never disappoints and always brings people together. Give it a try, share a slice, and don’t forget to enjoy every delicious crumb.
Print
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
Description
This is the BEST chocolate chip banana bread. It’s incredibly moist, packed with ripe bananas, and loaded with melty chocolate chips. A classic, foolproof recipe that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you need a comforting homemade treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups ripe mashed banana (3–4 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup 2% Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (or 1-to-1 gluten-free flour)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter and sugars until smooth and paste-like.
- Add mashed bananas, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Fold in dry ingredients until just incorporated.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Bake for 60–75 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before removing from pan. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Overripe bananas give the best flavor and moisture.
- Let the bread cool fully before slicing for clean cuts.