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 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Sweet Recipes

I absolutely love baking banana bread, especially when I can add mini chocolate chips for that extra treat. The aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes is simply irresistible, and the combination of ripe bananas and chocolate is a match made in heaven. This recipe has become a favorite in my household, and it’s incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, this banana bread is sure to please everyone. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas!

Created by

Cressida Northwood

Last updated on 2026-01-05T19:54:34.649Z

Over the years, I’ve experimented with various banana bread recipes, but this one stands out due to its perfect texture and flavor balance. I discovered that using mini chocolate chips melts evenly throughout the bread, providing a delightful surprise in every slice. You can also swap some of the sugar for honey or maple syrup to enhance the natural sweetness of the bananas without overpowering it.

What I truly love about this recipe is its versatility. You can add nuts, spices like cinnamon, or even a splash of vanilla extract to tailor it to your taste. After baking, let it cool slightly before slicing — trust me, the flavors intensify as it rests a bit. Enjoy it warm for an unbeatable treat!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Moist, tender crumb enhanced by gooey chocolate chips
Perfectly balanced sweetness from ripe bananas and chocolate
A comforting and nostalgic treat that reminds you of home

Why Use Ripe Bananas?

When it comes to banana bread, the ripeness of your bananas is crucial. Overripe bananas not only bring natural sweetness to the bread but also contribute to its moist texture. The sugars in ripe bananas are more concentrated, which enhances the overall flavor profile, creating a rich, caramelized taste. So, don't be shy about using those blackened bananas sitting on your counter; they're the key to a delightful loaf.

Additionally, the texture of your banana bread can be significantly improved with ripe bananas. They mash easily, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the batter. If you're short on time and your bananas aren't ripe enough, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature or baking them at a low temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This way, your banana bread will remain moist and flavorful.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chips

In this recipe, the mini chocolate chips add not just bursts of chocolate flavor, but they also melt nicely into the batter, ensuring a gooey texture with every slice. Opting for mini chips is a great choice because they distribute more evenly throughout the bread, ensuring that every bite has that delightful chocolatey taste. However, if you only have standard chocolate chips, they will work just fine; just expect them to create larger puddles of chocolate goodness.

If you're looking for variations, consider using dark chocolate chips or even a mix of different types like white or peanut butter chips. You can also fold in some chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor contrast. Just remember to adjust the amount of sugar slightly, especially if using sweeter chocolate. This adaptability ensures that you can create a banana bread that's perfectly tailored to your taste preferences.

Storing and Freezing Your Banana Bread

To keep your banana bread fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to four days. If you find it’s not going to be eaten within that time frame, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. Make sure to label the bag with the date, so you can keep track of how long it’s been stored.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen banana bread, simply take it out and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours. If you're in a hurry, you can also slice off a piece and pop it in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds to reheat it. This will revive the moisture and flavor, making it taste just as good as the day it was baked!

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

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 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Mix well to combine all ingredients before moving to the next step.

Instructions

Preheat Oven

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

Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mix the melted butter with the mashed bananas until well combined. Stir in the baking soda and salt.

Add Sugar and Egg

Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Incorporate Flour

Add the flour to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Do not over mix.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 60 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice and enjoy your warm banana bread!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans alongside the chocolate chips.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

One common issue with banana bread is overmixing the batter, which can lead to a dense loaf. To avoid this, mix your wet ingredients and dry ingredients until they are just combined. A few lumps are completely fine and will even bake out, resulting in a lighter texture. Remember to be gentle and don't overwork it, as the gluten in the flour can become tough if agitated too much.

Another mistake is not checking for doneness before the full baking time has elapsed. Ovens can vary, so it's always good to start checking your banana bread around the 50-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is done. If it comes out wet, give it an additional 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to ensure it doesn't overbake.

Serving Suggestions

This banana bread is delicious on its own, but you can also elevate it with a variety of toppings. A smear of cream cheese or butter adds a wonderful richness that complements the chocolate perfectly. For a touch of elegance, consider dusting it with powdered sugar or serving it warm with a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for an indulgent treat.

For breakfast or brunch, slice the banana bread and toast it lightly for a warm, crispy exterior. Pair it with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal. If you're feeling adventurous, try making banana bread French toast for a nostalgic twist that’s sure to impress your family or guests!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work great! Thaw them out beforehand and mash them well.

→ What can I substitute for sugar?

You can use honey or maple syrup in a 1:1 ratio, but be aware that it may alter the texture slightly.

→ How do I know when the banana bread is done?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, and the bread should have a golden-brown color.

→ Can I store banana bread, and how long will it last?

Yes, you can store it wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.