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This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a timeless favorite that strikes the perfect balance between moist, tender crumb and rich chocolate indulgence.
The generous use of ripe bananas delivers natural sweetness and moisture, while Greek yogurt adds a subtle tang and boosts protein content, making it a more nourishing choice than typical banana bread.
With moderate amounts of butter and sugar, this recipe offers a comforting treat that isn’t overly heavy.
It’s high in fiber thanks to the bananas and includes a good balance of healthy fats from butter, making it satisfying and heartwarming.
This bread is ideal for everyday cooking because it’s straightforward to prepare, requires no fancy ingredients, and keeps well for several days—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.
The option to use gluten-free flour also broadens its appeal for various dietary needs.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
9×5 Loaf Pan
Essential for giving your banana bread the classic loaf shape and ensuring even baking. Its nonstick surface or use of parchment paper makes removing the bread easy, while its size perfectly matches the recipe’s batter amount, preventing overflow. A loaf pan is versatile for all kinds of breads and meatloafs, making it a kitchen staple.
Mixing Bowls
Durable, easy-to-clean mixing bowls are vital for combining wet and dry ingredients separately. Their varying sizes allow for efficient mixing and preparation, preventing mess. High-quality bowls can be used for salads, marinating, and food prep beyond baking.
Whisk or Electric Mixer
A whisk provides control and precision for mixing sugars and butter to the ideal paste-like texture, while an electric mixer speeds up the process and ensures consistent results. Both tools are essential for baking and everyday cooking tasks like whipping cream or eggs.
Parchment Paper
Lining your loaf pan with parchment paper guarantees non-stick results and easy cleanup, saving your bread from sticking or breaking apart when removed. Parchment paper is also useful for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, and wrapping food.
Toothpick or Cake Tester
A simple yet crucial tool to check doneness. Inserting a toothpick and getting a few moist crumbs confirms the bread is perfectly baked without drying out. This tool is inexpensive and invaluable for all baked goods.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Equipment
- 1 9×5-Inch Loaf Pan
- 2 — Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- 1 — Whisk or electric mixer
- 1 — Parchment paper sheet
- 1 — Toothpick or cake tester
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups about 380g mashed ripe bananas (approximately 3 to 4 medium bananas)
- ½ cup 100g light brown sugar, firmly packed
- ½ cup 100g granulated white sugar
- ½ cup 110g unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup 130g Greek yogurt (2% fat) or sour cream
- 1 ⅓ cups 180g all-purpose flour (or a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup 140g mini chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan lightly with butter or oil, then line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang to help with easy bread removal later.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for now, as it will be gently folded into the wet ingredients later.
- Mix Sugars and Butter Thoroughly: In a larger bowl, whisk the melted butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until it forms a smooth, thick paste. This process might take a couple of minutes and can be done by hand with a whisk or using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
- Add Bananas and Flavorings: Stir in the mashed bananas into the butter-sugar mixture, followed by the eggs, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix just until combined, making sure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Using a spatula, fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients gently, taking care not to overmix. The batter should be thick but moist.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Add the mini chocolate chips and fold them in evenly throughout the batter. Reserve a small handful of chips for sprinkling on top before baking.
- Transfer Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips evenly over the surface.
- Bake and Test for Doneness: Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached—not wet batter. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Ripe Bananas are Key: Use bananas with plenty of brown spots for the sweetest, most flavorful bread. Overripe bananas help create a naturally moist texture.
- Yogurt or Sour Cream: Either adds moisture and a slight tanginess, enhancing the bread’s depth of flavor and tenderness. Greek yogurt also increases protein content.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a quality 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture remains soft and delicious.
- Storing Your Bread: Keep the banana bread stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
- Extra Chocolate on Top: Sprinkling additional chocolate chips on top before baking adds a beautiful, melty finish and a richer chocolate experience.
Chef’s Secrets for Moist, Flavorful Bread
To achieve the ultimate moist and tender banana bread, it’s essential to start with perfectly ripe bananas—those with brown speckles or soft spots provide natural sweetness and moisture that can’t be beaten.
Using Greek yogurt (or sour cream) adds a slight tang and helps keep the crumb soft while boosting protein, making the bread more nutritious.
Mixing the melted butter with sugars until it forms a paste ensures even sweetness throughout the loaf.
When folding in the dry ingredients, be gentle to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense texture.
Sprinkling extra chocolate chips on top before baking not only enhances the chocolate flavor but also gives a visually appealing golden crust with pockets of melty chocolate.
Serving Suggestions That Delight Every Time
This chocolate chip banana bread shines as a versatile treat suitable for any occasion.
For breakfast, serve slightly warmed slices with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey to complement the sweet bananas and chocolate.
It also pairs beautifully with a creamy cup of coffee or a frothy latte. For an indulgent snack or dessert, try topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Adding fresh berries or sliced bananas on the side can add a refreshing contrast and make your serving more colorful and inviting.
This bread is also great sliced and toasted lightly, bringing out its rich flavors.
Storage Tips for Freshness and Flavor
To maintain the bread’s freshness, store it at room temperature in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
This prevents it from drying out and preserves the soft texture for up to three days.
If you want to enjoy it longer, freezing slices individually wrapped in parchment or foil works wonders—simply thaw or toast slices as needed.
Avoid refrigerating banana bread, as this can dry it out quickly.
When reheating, use a microwave for a few seconds or toast to revive that just-baked warmth and softness.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
1. Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Yes, melted coconut oil or vegetable oil can replace butter in equal amounts. The texture will stay moist, though butter adds richer flavor.
2. How do I know when the banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, it’s ready. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
3. Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! Regular plain yogurt or sour cream works well to keep the bread moist and tender.
4. Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
You can substitute eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs and use vegan butter or oil. Choose dairy-free yogurt to make it fully vegan, but results may vary slightly in texture.
5. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes! Walnuts, pecans, or shredded coconut make excellent additions for texture and flavor. Fold them in with the chocolate chips before baking.
This recipe is inspired by butternutbakeryblog and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.